Largely ceremonial: two firefighter EMTs sworn in, four proclamations issued (volunteers, library week, water conservation, organ donation), and consent agenda approved with police pension minutes pulled.
30 items on the agenda · 19 decisions recorded
On the agenda
- 1Call to Order – Roll Call▶ 0:00
- 2
Pledge of Allegiance
Members of Boy Scout Troop 177 led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence.
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[00:00:25] At this point I would like to ask the gentleman from Troop 177 to come down, lead us all in [00:00:29] the Pledge of Allegiance, and if you would remain standing for a moment of silence after [00:01:03] the Pledge of Allegiance.
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- 3
Moment of Silence
Boy Scout Troop 177, sponsored by the Gills YMCA in Trinity, attended the meeting as part of their Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge requirements and met with the mayor and council members beforehand.
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[00:01:20] Thank you. [00:01:21] You may be seated. [00:01:30] The Troop 177, they're sponsored with the Gills YMCA down in Trinity. [00:01:38] They're up here tonight as part of their Mayor Pledge requirements for the Citizenship and [00:01:44] the Community Mayor Pledge, and they came in about an hour early so that they could [00:01:49] sit and talk with myself and some of the other council members just to learn a little about [00:01:54] what it is we do here in the City of New Port Richey.
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- 4
Approval of the March 8 Regular, March 10 Work Session, and March 22 Special Meeting Minutes
approvedCouncil approved the minutes from the March 8 Regular, March 10 Work Session, and March 22 Special Meetings without discussion or corrections.
- motion:Motion to approve the March 8 Regular, March 10 Work Session, and March 22 Special Meeting minutes. (passed)
▶ Jump to 1:59 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:01:59] The next item on the agenda is the approval of the minutes for March 8th, March 10th, [00:02:04] and March 22nd. [00:02:05] Move for approval. [00:02:06] Second. [00:02:07] We have a motion and a second. [00:02:08] Any discussion? [00:02:09] Nothing. [00:02:10] Corrections? [00:02:11] Hearing none. [00:02:12] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:02:15] Aye. [00:02:16] Opposed? [00:02:17] Like sign.
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- 5
You arrived here from a search for “Indian Rocks Beach Fire Rescue” — transcript expanded below
Swearing-In: Firefighters Robert LaChance and Wayne Lawson
Two new firefighter EMTs, Robert LaChance and Wayne Lawson, were sworn in to the New Port Richey Fire Department, filling vacancies from recent resignations. Both were introduced with their backgrounds and will be attending paramedic school later in the year.
Hillsborough Fire DepartmentIndian Rocks Beach Fire RescueMedFleetNew Port Richey Fire DepartmentPort Richey Fire DepartmentSt. Petersburg CollegeArleneDoreenMs. VanceRobert LaChanceWayne LawsonFlorida EMT certificationFlorida Firefighter CertificateSwearing-in ceremony▶ Jump to 2:18 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:02:18] Next, we have a swearing in of two firefighters. [00:02:19] Ms. Vance? [00:02:20] Yes, Mr. Mayor, members of the City Council. [00:02:23] We have the distinction this evening of adding two firefighters to our ranks. [00:02:27] If Mr. Wayne Lawson and Mr. Robert Lachance could join the Chief up at the podium, we [00:02:33] will conduct a swearing in ceremony. [00:02:44] Doreen, you've got to help. [00:02:46] Okay. [00:02:47] Good evening, City Council, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, City Manager. [00:02:52] This evening, we are filling two vacancies that were a result of recent resignations [00:02:59] that we've had within the department. [00:03:01] I'm excited this evening to introduce you to, first off, Robert Lachance. [00:03:06] He's a firefighter EMT who began his career with us on March 14th. [00:03:13] Robert was working as a part-time volunteer firefighter with New Port Richey and Hillsboro [00:03:18] Fire Departments, and most recently worked for MedFleet. [00:03:22] Robert will begin paramedic school in May, and we are excited to add Robert as a valuable [00:03:28] team member of our team. [00:03:30] Secondly, is Wayne Lawson. [00:03:32] He's a firefighter EMT who also started his career with us on March 15th. [00:03:38] Wayne was a volunteer firefighter with Indian Rocks Beach Fire Rescue. [00:03:42] Wayne attended the Fire Academy at St. Pete College, obtained his Florida EMT certification [00:03:48] in September 2012, and his Florida Firefighter Certificate in October of 2015. [00:03:55] Wayne also starts paramedic school in August, and we also look forward to working with Wayne [00:04:00] and having him as a member of our New Port Richey Fire Department team. [00:04:04] And at this time, I'd like to call down two of my staff. [00:04:09] Arlene? [00:04:10] I'd like to just say a few brief words prior to the swearing-in ceremony. [00:04:25] This is an important day for these two young men as they begin their careers with the New [00:04:29] New Port Richey Fire Department. [00:04:30] Being a firefighter is not just a job, it's a noble career. [00:04:36] They will be joining the ranks of an elite fraternity of firefighters here within the [00:04:41] city that put their lives on the line day in and day out to keep us safe and to protect [00:04:49] our properties. [00:04:52] This profession takes a lot of dedication, countless hours of training, courage, and [00:04:56] hard work. [00:04:59] And I want you both to remember that you're not just firefighters when you're on shift, [00:05:03] you're firefighters 24-7 on your days off, and you represent the city on-duty and off-duty. [00:05:11] And I'm confident that you will both do your best and represent our city well. [00:05:15] And lastly, I want you to remember these words. [00:05:18] Your main goal is to stay safe and go home to your families when your shift ends. [00:05:24] At this time, I'd like to invite the city clerk to administer the oath of office, please. [00:05:54] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for [00:06:23] which it stands. [00:06:24] One. [00:06:25] Two. [00:06:26] Three. [00:06:27] Four. [00:06:28] Five. [00:06:29] Six. [00:06:30] Seven. [00:06:31] Eight. [00:06:32] Nine. [00:06:33] 10. [00:06:34] 11. [00:06:35] 12. [00:06:36] 13. [00:06:37] 14. [00:06:38] 15. [00:06:39] 16. [00:06:40] 17. [00:06:41] 18. [00:06:42] 19. [00:06:43] 20. [00:06:44] 21. [00:06:45] 22. [00:06:46] 23. [00:06:47] 24. [00:06:48] 25. [00:06:49] 26. [00:06:50] 27. [00:06:51] 28. [00:06:52] 29. [00:06:53] 30. [00:06:54] 31. [00:06:55] 32. [00:06:56] 33. [00:06:57] 34. [00:06:58] 35. [00:06:59] 36. [00:07:00] 37. [00:07:01] 38. [00:07:02] 39. [00:07:03] 40. [00:07:04] 41. [00:07:05] 42. [00:07:06] 43. [00:07:07] 44. 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- 6
Proclamation: Donate Life Month
approvedThe Mayor announced a proclamation recognizing April as Donate Life Month, read by title only along with three other proclamations.
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[00:09:04] Thank you. [00:09:08] We have a number of proclamations. [00:09:21] Four of these are by title only, and I'm going to read those, and then we'll do the other [00:09:27] two. [00:09:28] First proclamation is for Donate Life Month, the month of April.
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- 8
Proclamation: National Volunteer Week and CARES Volunteer Recognition
approvedMayor Rob Marlowe read a proclamation designating April 10–16 as National Volunteer Week in the City of New Port Richey, recognizing the 375+ volunteers of Community Aging and Retirement Services Inc. (CARES) in Pasco County. A CARES representative (President and CEO) accepted the proclamation and thanked the city.
- direction:Mayor proclaimed April 10–16 as National Volunteer Week in the City of New Port Richey, commending CARES volunteers. (passed)
Community Aging and Retirement Services Inc. (CARES)Points of LightGeorge W. BushRob MarloweCARES Volunteer Recognition (April 13)National Volunteer Week (April 10-16)▶ Jump to 9:34 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:09:34] The second one is a proclamation for Volunteer Recognition Day, which is by title only. [00:09:47] Third one is proclamation for the Water Conservation Month. [00:09:58] And the fourth one, proclamation for the State Initiative for Health and Wellness. [00:10:06] We do have two that I'm going to ask folks to come down to meet me at the front. [00:10:11] The first one is National Volunteer Week and CARES Volunteer Recognition. [00:10:18] We have a representative from CARES with us tonight. [00:10:47] Whereas Points of Light, founded in 1990 by President George W. Bush to inspire, equip, [00:10:52] and mobilize people to take advantage to change the world, has designated the week of April [00:10:56] 10th through 16th as National Volunteer Week to recognize and encourage people to engage [00:11:01] in their communities, and whereas countless everyday heroes tirelessly provide support [00:11:06] to millions of Americans in need, whereas many of these dedicated volunteers deserve [00:11:11] recognition for enabling not-for-profit organizations to serve our nation's disabled, infirm, and [00:11:17] aging population, and whereas the Community Aging and Retirement Services Inc. CARES in [00:11:23] Pasco County relies on volunteers so elderly may remain independent as well as age positively [00:11:30] and with dignity, and whereas over 375 Pasco County residents serve as volunteers for CARES [00:11:37] who enable elders to stay at home, stay independent, stay connected, and stay informed, now therefore [00:11:42] I, Rob Marlowe, Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, do hereby proclaim the week of April [00:11:47] 10th through 16th as National Volunteer Week in the City of New Port Richey and commend [00:11:54] CARES volunteers who will be recognized on April 13th for their hard work and efforts [00:11:58] to promote the quality of life for the aging in our community. [00:12:12] Please allow me a moment to share some of the things that I have learned through my [00:12:19] involvement with senior services volunteers. I have learned respect for the individuals [00:12:24] and empathy for others. I have learned the value of tolerance and to celebrate our many [00:12:29] differences. I have learned to listen to others, to value their opinions, and to work together [00:12:36] in cooperation towards a common goal. In short, I have learned to be a better person [00:12:41] through my involvement with volunteers. As CARES President and CEO, I know that the task [00:12:46] of protecting human dignity and achieving our noble goals would be impossible without [00:12:52] the energy and dedication of our wonderful volunteers. This proclamation will help me [00:12:58] to honor the 375 volunteers that provide a vital service to our programs at CARES and [00:13:05] take care of our seniors. Thank you very much. [00:13:12] The next proclamation I have, I'd like to ask Ms. Susan Dillinger to come forward.
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- 10
Proclamation: Volunteer Recognition Day
approvedMayor read by title only a proclamation recognizing Volunteer Recognition Day.
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[00:09:34] The second one is a proclamation for Volunteer Recognition Day, which is by title only. [00:09:47] Third one is proclamation for the Water Conservation Month.
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- 11
Proclamation: Water Conservation Month
approvedThe Mayor introduced a proclamation recognizing Water Conservation Month.
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[00:09:47] Third one is proclamation for the Water Conservation Month.
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- 9
Proclamation: State Initiative for Health and Wellness
The Mayor announced a proclamation recognizing the State Initiative for Health and Wellness.
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[00:09:58] And the fourth one, proclamation for the State Initiative for Health and Wellness.
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- 7
Proclamation: National Library Week
approvedMayor Rob Marlow read a proclamation declaring April 10-16 as National Library Week in the City of New Port Richey, recognizing the library's community impact and inviting residents to attend events including an April 15 ribbon cutting for a new technology center.
- motion:Proclaim April 10-16 as National Library Week in the City of New Port Richey. (passed)
AppleIMAXNewport Richey Library Advisory BoardJoan Nelson-HookRob MarlowFrench film festivalLibraries TransformNational Library Weeknew technology center ribbon cutting▶ Jump to 13:21 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:13:29] And Joan Nelson-Hook. [00:13:41] Whereas libraries are not just about what we have for our community members, but what we do for and with our [00:13:47] community members, and whereas libraries are creative and engaging community centers where members can [00:13:53] collaborate using new technologies, learn a new language, search for employment, or build a business [00:13:59] plan for a new venture, and of course read a book, and whereas libraries have long served as trusted [00:14:05] and treasured institutions, and library workers and librarians fuel efforts to better their communities, [00:14:11] campuses, and schools, and whereas libraries and librarians open up a world of possibilities for [00:14:17] innovative STEM programming, makerspace, job-seeking resources, and the power of reading, and whereas [00:14:25] libraries level the playing field through their commitment to provide equitable access to information for all [00:14:31] community members, regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or [00:14:38] socio-economic status, and whereas your city library engaged 114,366 in library education classes and events, [00:14:49] provided 39,384 with the use of our public computers, and assisted 490,920 who bought their first [00:15:00] borrowed 734,425 library materials, [00:15:06] and whereas libraries, librarians, library workers, [00:15:09] and supporters across America [00:15:10] are observing National Library Week's theme, [00:15:13] Libraries Transform, now therefore I, Rob Marlow, [00:15:17] Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, [00:15:19] do hereby proclaim the week April 10th to the 16th [00:15:21] as National Library Week in the City of New Port Richey, [00:15:25] and encourage all residents to visit the library this week [00:15:27] and attend an event, and explore what's new, [00:15:30] and engage with your librarians. [00:15:32] Thank you. [00:15:33] Thank you. [00:15:34] Thank you. [00:15:35] Thank you. [00:15:36] Thank you. [00:15:37] Thank you. [00:15:37] Thank you. [00:15:38] Thank you. [00:15:39] Thank you. [00:15:40] Thank you. [00:15:41] Thank you. [00:15:42] Thank you. [00:15:42] Thank you. [00:15:43] Thank you. [00:15:44] I'm never shy. [00:15:45] I wanna invite you out this, [00:15:47] during National Library Week, we have many events. [00:15:50] We have a French film festival, an eco film, [00:15:53] a score workshop, and of course an open house [00:15:56] for the community on Friday of that week, [00:16:00] which is April 15th at 9 a.m. [00:16:02] We'll have a ribbon cutting to our new technology center, [00:16:06] outfitted all with IMAX, Apple reps will be here as well, [00:16:10] and our librarians will be giving short little presentations [00:16:14] about all the things that we do for you. [00:16:17] And I hope you'll come out and join us. [00:16:19] Just give us a call on RSVP [00:16:21] so we make sure we have enough food. [00:16:23] Thank you. [00:16:25] Thank you. [00:16:26] Thank you. [00:16:26] Thank you. [00:16:27] Thank you. [00:16:28] Thank you. [00:16:29] Thank you. [00:16:30] I'm a member of the New Port Richey Library Advisory Board, [00:16:34] and I wanna thank the council for all the support [00:16:37] that you've given to the library through the years. [00:16:40] And I wanna invite you all to come out to the library [00:16:43] and see the phenomenal change. [00:16:45] If you haven't been in this library in the last year, [00:16:50] you will not believe it. [00:16:51] It's not just books anymore. [00:16:55] Thank you. [00:16:56] Thank you. [00:16:57] Thank you. [00:16:58] Thank you. [00:16:59] Thank you.
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- 12Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 17:00
- 13.a
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Minutes - February 2016
approvedon consentConsent agenda was approved with one item pulled for separate discussion: the New Port Richey Police Pension System minutes. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board minutes from February 2016 were approved as part of the consent agenda.
- motion:Approve the consent agenda except for the New Port Richey Police Pension System minutes, which were pulled. (passed)
PhillipsNew Port Richey Police Pension System minutesParks and Recreation Advisory Board Minutes - February 2016▶ Jump to 24:22 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:24:22] Thank you. [00:24:23] Thank you. [00:24:24] Seeing no one else come forward, [00:24:26] close box pop. [00:24:28] Next, I'd miss the consent agenda. [00:24:31] Move for approval, Mr. Mayor, [00:24:32] but I'd like to pull one specific minutes [00:24:38] for the pension, the New Portugal Police pension system. [00:24:41] Otherwise, I'd move for approval. [00:24:43] Second. [00:24:44] We have a motion and a second. [00:24:45] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:24:48] Aye. Aye. [00:24:49] Opposed, like sign. [00:24:50] Mr. Phillips, the pension minutes.
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- 13.c
Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval
approvedon consentCouncil moved approval of the consent agenda, with one item pulled for separate discussion: the minutes of the New Port Richey Police Pension system.
- motion:Approve the consent agenda with the New Port Richey Police Pension system minutes pulled for separate consideration. (passed)
▶ Jump to 24:22 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:24:22] Thank you. [00:24:23] Thank you. [00:24:24] Seeing no one else come forward, [00:24:26] close box pop. [00:24:28] Next, I'd miss the consent agenda. [00:24:31] Move for approval, Mr. Mayor, [00:24:32] but I'd like to pull one specific minutes [00:24:38] for the pension, the New Portugal Police pension system. [00:24:41] Otherwise, I'd move for approval. [00:24:43] Second. [00:24:44] We have a motion and a second. [00:24:45] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:24:48] Aye. Aye. [00:24:49] Opposed, like sign. [00:24:50] Mr. Phillips, the pension minutes.
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- 13.b
Approval of the Cultural Affairs Committee, Environmental Committee, and Police Pension Board Minutes
approvedon consentCouncilmember pulled the Police Pension Board minutes from consent for discussion, raising concerns about untimely delivery of committee minutes (some dating to October), the delayed Hollywood of the East presentation, lack of council oversight over pension board operations, the consolidation of pension consultants (Thistle and another group), and unresolved pending ordinances related to pension funds. Council requested timelier minutes and presentations from the fire and police pension boards before budget discussions, then approved the minutes.
- motion:Motion to approve the Cultural Affairs Committee, Environmental Committee, and Police Pension Board minutes. (passed)
- direction:Council direction to provide committee minutes on a more timely basis and to schedule presentations from both the fire and police pension boards before budget deliberations. (none)
- direction:Council direction to identify and report any holdups on pending unresolved ordinances related to the pension funds. (none)
ThistleCultural Affairs Committee minutesEnvironmental Committee minutesFire Pension BoardHollywood of the East presentationPolice Pension Boardpending unresolved pension ordinancespension consultant consolidation▶ Jump to 24:53 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:24:53] Yeah, first thing, Mr. Mayor, [00:24:56] this consent agenda with the minutes was jam-packed. [00:25:01] And I gotta tell you, some of these things [00:25:03] go back to October. [00:25:05] And to be honest with you, that's not timely in my land. [00:25:08] I don't know about yours, but if I'm working on, [00:25:11] to be perfectly honest with you [00:25:13] with the community affairs folks, [00:25:15] I still thought we were on track [00:25:17] to have the Hollywood of the East presentation [00:25:19] later on this, early this summer or whatever, [00:25:22] and now I'm finding it's being delayed. [00:25:24] But over and above that is, [00:25:27] some of the information there is timely back to us [00:25:29] since we aren't able to attend all of those meetings. [00:25:32] So I'm just making it a point that [00:25:35] if we could get those on a more timely basis. [00:25:37] The one in particular that I asked to have pulled [00:25:41] about the police pension system [00:25:43] is just some clarity on my part, [00:25:48] but then also I want to make sure that we have [00:25:52] adequate presentations from both the fire pension board [00:25:57] and the police pension board before we go into the budgets. [00:26:02] Because obviously those are obligations [00:26:04] that we have contractually agreed to [00:26:08] with those first responders. [00:26:11] And I will tell you back on my first time on council, [00:26:15] there was a unfunded mandate and part of that, [00:26:18] and to catch those up out of an ad valorem [00:26:21] and a budget makes it very difficult. [00:26:25] But especially in this report, [00:26:28] there were discussions of the pension board makeup. [00:26:33] It doesn't appear that there's much council [00:26:37] or city oversight with the board's implementation. [00:26:42] The presentation of the board that night [00:26:44] dealt with performance of their portfolios [00:26:49] and all those things. [00:26:50] And those are important to us because if those underperform, [00:26:53] somebody's got to make up that money. [00:26:55] And I'm not sure it's going to be in the open market. [00:26:57] I think it's going to come back to us. [00:27:02] Obviously our performance versus others around. [00:27:06] Two things that really struck me in here [00:27:08] were the consolidation of the consultants, [00:27:12] Thistle and another group are consolidating. [00:27:15] So that gives, you know, now we have one, [00:27:18] we as a council don't even get an opportunity [00:27:21] to approve, deny, say hello, whatever, [00:27:27] but we are stroking in a check [00:27:29] you'll find in the consent agenda on monthly basis [00:27:31] to both of those pension funds. [00:27:34] And then there was a couple of lines in here [00:27:38] in the minutes that spoke to some pending, [00:27:41] unresolved ordinances. [00:27:44] And to me, if we have any ordinances that are open [00:27:48] that have to deal with our pension funds, [00:27:50] I would like to find out where the slowdown is, [00:27:54] who's being the beaver in the stream, [00:27:58] I guess you want to call it, you know, [00:27:59] damming up the process. [00:28:01] Because if those aren't in place correctly, [00:28:07] I don't want any downside either [00:28:09] to the organization pension fund or back to the city. [00:28:12] So if somebody's not moving things through the process, [00:28:16] please let us know so that we can encourage them [00:28:19] to do that in a timely fashion. [00:28:21] Mr. Mayor, that was the reason for pulling [00:28:23] that particular item out of the consent agenda. [00:28:26] Otherwise I would move for approval. [00:28:28] We have a motion to approve. [00:28:31] Second. Second. [00:28:33] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.
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- 14.a
First Reading, Ordinance #2016-2073: Code Amendment - Urban Agriculture
discussedCouncil held first reading and public hearing on Ordinance 2016-2073 (Land Development Code amendment) and companion Ordinance 2016-2074 (Comprehensive Plan amendment) to allow urban agriculture as a permitted use across most zoning districts. The Land Development Review Board had recommended against adoption (objecting primarily to front-yard gardens), but several speakers supported the ordinance. Council discussed concerns about scope, oversight, and rental properties, and indicated interest in moving the matter to a work session.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2016-2073
- direction:Council indicated intent to move the urban agriculture ordinances to a work session for further discussion after public comment. (none)
3104 Alachua Place, Port Richey6820 River Road7131 Creek Drive, New Port RicheyGrand Boulevard and Georgia AvenueEnvironmental CommitteeLand Development Review BoardPasco County Food Policy Advisory CouncilChris MettlerDebbie MannsDonald CadleFrank StarkeyMr. PavlikTravis MoreheadCommunity Gardens Ordinance (February 2013)Comprehensive Plan Table FLU 1.1.3Garage Sales OrdinanceOrdinance 2016-2073Ordinance 2016-2074Section 7.25.00 Urban Agriculture▶ Jump to 28:37 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:28:37] Opposed, like sign. [00:28:38] Next is public reading of ordinances. [00:28:41] First reading of ordinance 2016-2073, [00:28:44] a code amendment for urban agriculture. [00:28:46] Mr. Pavlik. [00:28:47] An ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, [00:28:49] amending the land development code [00:28:50] to add urban agriculture as a permitted use [00:28:53] in section 7.01.02 R1 residential district, [00:28:57] section 7.02.04 R2 residential district, [00:29:01] section 7.03.02 R3 residential district, [00:29:06] section 7.04.02 MF-10 low medium density [00:29:10] residential district, section 7.05.02 MF-14 [00:29:15] medium density residential district, [00:29:18] section 7.06.02 MF30 high density residential district, [00:29:24] section 7.07.01 C1 light general commercial district, [00:29:30] section 7.08.01 C2 general commercial district, [00:29:35] section 7.09.01 highway commercial district, [00:29:40] section 7.10.01 office district, [00:29:43] section 7.11.01 downtown district, [00:29:47] section 7.12.01 light industrial district, [00:29:51] section 7.14.01 government district, [00:29:55] and section 7.19.01 residential office district. [00:30:00] establishing section 7.25.00 urban agriculture, [00:30:04] amending section 2.01.00 definitions [00:30:07] providing for severability, providing for codification, [00:30:10] and providing for an effective date. [00:30:12] Ms. Manns. [00:30:13] Mr. Mayor, members of the city council, [00:30:15] now what that really means. [00:30:17] We're making sausage, that's what it means. [00:30:21] Is the city would like you to consider [00:30:23] the adoption of an urban agriculture ordinance. [00:30:28] This idea was advanced to us [00:30:30] on behalf of the environmental committee [00:30:33] during their annual report in 2015. [00:30:37] The staff set forth on a project [00:30:41] to draft such an ordinance. [00:30:45] Chris Metler, who serves as a senior planner on our staff, [00:30:49] worked very hard with the environmental committee [00:30:52] to come up with an urban agriculture ordinance. [00:30:56] The ordinance would allow community gardens for profit. [00:31:05] And I'm going to let Chris do a presentation to you [00:31:07] this evening to explain that in detail. [00:31:09] But what I need to tell you is that this matter [00:31:13] was considered by the Land Development Review Board [00:31:16] on March 17th, and they're the recommending body [00:31:20] to the city council, and they recommended [00:31:22] against the adoption of the ordinance. [00:31:26] I have included in your packet [00:31:28] a copy of the minutes from their meeting, [00:31:30] which outlined some of the basis [00:31:33] of their concerns for the ordinance. [00:31:36] In large part, though, they objected [00:31:41] to the use of front lawns as urban gardens. [00:31:44] And with that, I'm going to let Chris [00:31:47] go through his PowerPoint presentation. [00:31:49] Thank you for being here tonight, Chris. [00:31:51] Thank you, I'm Chris Metler with the Development Department. [00:31:54] And I was going to provide a presentation [00:31:56] of the two ordinances together, [00:31:58] both the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Ordinance [00:32:00] and the Code Amendment Ordinance. [00:32:02] Mr. Publick has just read the Ordinance 2073, [00:32:06] which is the ordinance that amends [00:32:08] the Land Development Code, and I might ask [00:32:11] that the other ordinance, 2074, also be read [00:32:16] so that I could present the two ordinances together, [00:32:20] if the city council sees fit. [00:32:22] Yeah, that'd be fine. [00:32:24] We have to vote independently, but. [00:32:28] I am going to ask for separate votes, that's true. [00:32:31] But if I could present the two together [00:32:33] for your convenience, I'd appreciate that. [00:32:34] Mr. Publick. [00:32:36] Ordinance 2016-2074, an ordinance amending [00:32:39] the City of New Port Richey Comprehensive Plan [00:32:42] amending Table FLU 1.1.3 to allow urban agriculture use [00:32:46] in low-density residential, dash 5 LDR 5, [00:32:50] low-density residential 6 LDR 6, [00:32:53] low-medium density residential 9 LMDR 9, [00:32:56] low-medium density residential 10 LMDR 10, [00:33:00] medium-density residential 14 MDR 14, [00:33:04] medium-density residential 20 MDR 20, [00:33:07] high-density residential 24 HDR 24, [00:33:10] high-density residential 30 HDR 30, [00:33:14] downtown D, downtown core DC, residential office RO, [00:33:18] residential office retail ROR, general commercial GC, [00:33:22] highway commercial HC, light industrial LI, [00:33:25] recreation open space ROS, and public semi-public PSP, [00:33:31] future land use categories establishing goals, [00:33:33] objectives, and policies to address urban agriculture [00:33:35] providing for severability [00:33:36] and providing for an effective date. [00:33:38] Thank you, Mr. Matlar. [00:33:40] Mr. Publick, thank you very much. [00:33:42] I'm going to present these two ordinances together. [00:33:44] The first ordinance amends the Comprehensive Plan [00:33:47] to address urban agriculture. [00:33:49] Currently, the city's Comprehensive Plan [00:33:51] does not address agriculture at all. [00:33:53] And the second ordinance amends the Land Development Code [00:33:56] to provide more specific regulations [00:33:58] for urban agriculture uses. [00:34:01] Mr. Publick read two very long ordinance titles. [00:34:05] They're long because we are proposing [00:34:07] to amend the comp plan to allow urban agriculture use [00:34:11] in a substantial number of the land development categories [00:34:15] and to amend the Land Development Code [00:34:18] to allow urban agriculture in multiple zoning districts. [00:34:23] This is an image showing you agriculture [00:34:26] in an urban context. [00:34:28] Also, currently in our city, [00:34:30] we have a community garden that's located [00:34:33] at Grand Boulevard and Georgia Avenue. [00:34:36] The city adopted the ordinance [00:34:39] allowing for community gardens in February of 2013, [00:34:42] and now the Environmental Committee has asked the city [00:34:45] to amend its regulations to allow for urban agriculture. [00:34:48] Community gardens is a recreational, [00:34:51] not-for-profit activity. [00:34:53] Urban agriculture would be a more commercial, [00:34:56] for-profit activity. [00:34:58] With a community garden, [00:34:59] the proceeds would be either donated or consumed [00:35:03] by the folks who are involved in the community garden. [00:35:05] With urban agriculture, [00:35:07] the proceeds would be sold for profit. [00:35:12] The ordinances that we have before you [00:35:15] provides substantial limits on urban agricultural activity. [00:35:19] There is a prohibition on the keeping of livestock, [00:35:22] and sales in residential districts [00:35:24] would be limited to garage sales twice a year, [00:35:27] and mechanized indoor crop production activity, [00:35:31] such as hydroponics, where there's a mechanized system [00:35:34] that provides nutrients to plants in an indoor setting. [00:35:38] Aquaponics, a symbiotic relationship with fish and plants, [00:35:42] where the water and the waste from the fish tanks [00:35:46] is used for the benefit of the plants, [00:35:47] and the filtered water from the plants [00:35:50] is used for the benefit of the fish. [00:35:52] Aeroponics, where a soilless environment for plants, [00:35:55] where they're maintained in a mist environment. [00:35:58] These sorts of uses would only be allowed [00:36:01] in the industrial district with the regulations [00:36:03] that we're going to provide to you. [00:36:05] The first ordinance amends the comprehensive plan, [00:36:09] provides a definition for urban agriculture, [00:36:12] allows urban agriculture, [00:36:13] and a long list of the land development categories [00:36:17] that Mr. Publick read out, [00:36:18] all but the conservation category. [00:36:21] And it addresses goal, objective, [00:36:23] and policies for urban agriculture. [00:36:25] And the policies indicate that the Land Development Code [00:36:28] will provide regulations, [00:36:29] and compatibility issues will be addressed. [00:36:32] The second ordinance amends the Land Development Code, [00:36:36] allowing for urban agriculture in multiple zoning districts, [00:36:39] providing definitions for the different terms [00:36:41] that we're using, [00:36:42] includes, addresses purpose and intent, [00:36:45] such as the need for regulations [00:36:47] and the addressing of compatibility issues, [00:36:49] provides operational requirements, [00:36:51] looking at property maintenance, [00:36:53] equipment storage, chemical storage, [00:36:56] and also addresses application and registration. [00:36:59] With the ordinances before you, [00:37:01] the Environmental Committee will be reviewing [00:37:03] and approving applications [00:37:05] for urban agriculture uses in the city. [00:37:07] They'll maintain an active registry [00:37:09] and share the registry of active uses [00:37:12] with the code enforcement staff. [00:37:14] And the applications would be good for a year, [00:37:17] subject to renewal by the Environmental Committee [00:37:20] on an annual basis. [00:37:23] The Environmental Committee reviewed the ordinances [00:37:26] in February and did recommend, [00:37:28] it did suggest that they endorse the ordinances. [00:37:32] And as Ms. Vance indicated, at their March 17th meeting, [00:37:35] the Land Development Review Board [00:37:38] considered an amended version of the ordinances [00:37:41] that prohibited urban agriculture uses in front yards, [00:37:44] but ultimately those motions failed. [00:37:46] And I'll be happy to answer any questions. [00:37:49] Do you have any questions for staff? [00:37:50] I do. [00:37:51] I listened, excuse me. [00:37:54] Just getting over a two-week sinus infection, [00:37:56] so bear with me. [00:37:57] I listened to the entire [00:37:59] Land Development Review Board meeting. [00:38:02] I'm very taken back as to [00:38:03] if they really understood the ordinance, [00:38:05] to be honest with you. [00:38:05] How far in advance of the meeting [00:38:07] were they provided the material for review? [00:38:11] The meeting was held on Thursday. [00:38:12] They received the packet the Friday previous. [00:38:15] I would suggest that, like I said, [00:38:19] maybe that was crunching too much information [00:38:22] in too short a period of time. [00:38:24] Just because, like I said, I listened to every minute [00:38:26] and it reminded me of the group bidding ordinance [00:38:28] that we had and the people that came and spoke against it. [00:38:32] So many of the points they brought up [00:38:33] were not even in the ordinance [00:38:34] and they were just totally like front yard growing. [00:38:37] We already had that in the current ordinance, [00:38:39] so it didn't really pertain to this. [00:38:41] This is just, and we'll get into the weeds of it, [00:38:44] but not yet, but my main question, [00:38:48] everyone's gonna get a chance to speak, you answer it. [00:38:50] I just wanna know how far in advance [00:38:52] they were able to get it, [00:38:53] because the arguments I heard just really took me back. [00:38:57] So the answer is less than a week. [00:38:59] Correct. [00:39:01] Any other questions? [00:39:03] Can you explain to me why we decided to make it [00:39:07] the whole entire smorgasbord of categories? [00:39:11] Why, when this was working through the process, [00:39:15] that there wasn't discussions on phasing [00:39:19] and looking at this? [00:39:20] Because we have a number of initiatives [00:39:22] that we've undertaken over the last two years, [00:39:25] including going all the way back to 13 [00:39:26] when we did the community gardens. [00:39:29] We've had a series of things after that. [00:39:32] My question is, why did we take such a broad look [00:39:38] at every category, making it administered [00:39:43] by code enforcements? [00:39:44] We've got other code enforcement initiatives coming up [00:39:47] that we've implemented starting the first of this year, [00:39:50] and we've given a group the ability to monitor this, [00:39:56] and I didn't see anything in here about city oversight. [00:40:00] I didn't see anything about if a neighbor was unhappy [00:40:04] with some elements of the ordinance [00:40:07] or what happened next to them, [00:40:09] what their recourse might be. [00:40:11] So there's a series of things [00:40:13] that I'm just trying to understand, [00:40:16] because to me it's very broad in every category, [00:40:21] and then every category's gonna have a little nuance, [00:40:24] because we already have that [00:40:26] with front yard parking elements [00:40:28] and other things that we have in the city. [00:40:29] So I'm just trying to understand, [00:40:31] I understand you've been working on this for about a year, [00:40:33] at least that's the impression that I'm getting, [00:40:36] and I just want to understand [00:40:38] before we have our presentations, [00:40:40] so I can correctly understand what they're presenting [00:40:43] as to why, when we looked at it, [00:40:45] we didn't try to kind of build this as a brick by brick, [00:40:50] instead of just saying, here's the house, [00:40:53] please live with the condition that you get it in, [00:40:56] is kind of the way that I'm looking at it. [00:40:58] The approach kind of followed [00:40:59] the Community Gardens Ordinance approach. [00:41:02] The Community Gardens Ordinance [00:41:04] allowed for community gardens in all zoning districts. [00:41:07] So the approach was to allow urban agriculture [00:41:10] in pretty much all of the zoning districts. [00:41:12] However, the issue or the approach [00:41:15] was to greatly limit the uses that would be allowed. [00:41:18] For instance, livestock would not be allowed, [00:41:21] it would be prohibited. [00:41:23] There was a great limit on the kinds of sales activity [00:41:26] that could take place in residential districts. [00:41:28] And as for the indoor crop production, [00:41:31] that was limited to the industrial district. [00:41:34] Can you just touch real quickly on the sales, [00:41:37] just so people understand? [00:41:38] I mean, it's quite a large ordinance, [00:41:40] and I doubt everyone on this audience has read every word. [00:41:43] You can't just grow a garden [00:41:45] and sell tomatoes on your driveway every day. [00:41:47] That's not how this works by any means. [00:41:49] Correct. [00:41:50] Retail sales and wholesale sales would be allowed, [00:41:53] and those zoning districts that allow sales activity, [00:41:56] such as the downtown district, highway commercial, [00:41:59] like commercial or general commercial. [00:42:01] But for the residential districts, [00:42:03] like the Community Gardens Ordinance, [00:42:05] sales activity would be limited [00:42:07] per the Garage Sales Ordinance, [00:42:10] which limits garage sales to twice a year, [00:42:13] once every six months for a maximum period of 72 hours. [00:42:19] Mr. Public, since we're reading this [00:42:22] and getting staff report on both ordinances at the same time, [00:42:27] is it appropriate for me to ask for public comment [00:42:29] on public hearing on both of these ordinances simultaneous, [00:42:32] or do we need to do that? [00:42:33] You can do it simultaneously. [00:42:36] I had one other question, Mr. Mayor. [00:42:38] Yes, sir. [00:42:39] The other question I had is, [00:42:41] the ordinance doesn't speak to [00:42:44] whether the home is owner-occupied, [00:42:48] or if it's rental. [00:42:50] Is that correct? [00:42:51] Everything I read in the ordinance [00:42:53] didn't subdivide anything out. [00:42:56] That is correct, it does not. [00:42:57] It strictly looks at the zoning district. [00:43:01] So, we have challenges with a number of things [00:43:06] when it comes to our rental property, [00:43:08] and how we're going to be bringing on, [00:43:11] we haven't given it, [00:43:13] and if the renter has to have permission [00:43:18] from the property owner to do it, [00:43:22] that isn't addressed in here, [00:43:24] back to the environmental committee's oversight. [00:43:29] Because once somebody rents a property, [00:43:33] they think it's theirs, [00:43:34] and sometimes they do many things [00:43:35] that puts the landowner into non-code compliance [00:43:40] and some other elements. [00:43:41] So, I'm just trying to make sure [00:43:43] that I did read it all the way through, [00:43:45] wanted to make sure that I didn't miss anything in here, [00:43:48] in either one that spoke to owner-occupied, [00:43:53] or I know there's special variances [00:43:56] that have to be given for some certain things. [00:43:58] But that's correct, [00:43:59] the ordinances do not make that distinction. [00:44:01] Very good. [00:44:02] Any questions of staff, Councilman? [00:44:05] I just, I've heard a lot of things here, [00:44:10] and then each one of these things, [00:44:12] whether it was Jeff or Bill, [00:44:15] could probably last an hour, [00:44:16] or a half an hour of discussion. [00:44:19] I would like to have a work session on this, [00:44:21] at this point, [00:44:22] because I have as many more questions as these two do, [00:44:26] and I'd like to address it, [00:44:28] instead of us trying to figure it out. [00:44:30] We have a large number of people [00:44:32] that I think want to address the issue tonight. [00:44:34] I mean, that'd be fine if they want to address it, [00:44:36] but I still would like to take it to a work session. [00:44:38] I would certainly entertain a motion to that, [00:44:40] after we've had the public comment. [00:44:42] That'd be great. [00:44:44] With that, I'm going to open these two ordinances up [00:44:46] for public comment. [00:44:47] This is a public hearing. [00:44:49] If you wish to address Council on this, [00:44:51] please come forward at this time, [00:44:53] and give us your name and address for the record. [00:44:56] Mayor, can I ask a question, please? [00:44:58] If they're representing a group, can I? [00:45:00] Give them five minutes, as opposed to three. [00:45:04] I think with the number of people, we may be tight. [00:45:07] I just want to be fair. [00:45:09] If they're here in front of a group, [00:45:10] I'm just asking if that's something we'd like to do. [00:45:16] If it's a single person representing, [00:45:18] I don't have a problem with that. [00:45:18] I think that we've probably got multiple folks. [00:45:20] All right. [00:45:21] Very good. [00:45:22] Yes, sir. [00:45:23] I'm Travis Morehead. [00:45:24] I'm at 7131 Creek Drive, New Port Richey. [00:45:27] I'm not in the city limits, but I'm [00:45:28] here to represent the Food Policy Advisory Council [00:45:31] by Pasco County government. [00:45:33] We're looking at passing a similar ordinance [00:45:35] here in the next few months. [00:45:36] And so one thing that I would encourage you guys to look at [00:45:39] is you guys are one of the more progressive cities [00:45:41] in Pasco County. [00:45:42] And one thing to consider is this [00:45:43] is going to happen in Pasco County. [00:45:45] And this would be something that you guys [00:45:47] would continue to be the first person [00:45:49] to go ahead and move something like this out [00:45:51] to be a little more progressive. [00:45:53] Another thing I'd like to point out [00:45:54] is I am outside of the city limits. [00:45:55] And this is the exact type of ordinance [00:45:57] that I would look at to motivate me to want [00:45:59] to move into the city limits. [00:46:01] That's all I got. [00:46:01] Thank you. [00:46:02] Thank you. [00:46:05] Other people wishing to address council? [00:46:07] If you would give us your name and address for the record, [00:46:10] Mr. Starkey. [00:46:12] Frank Starkey, 3104 Alachua Place in New Port Richey, [00:46:16] outside the city. [00:46:18] I'd commend the city for considering this. [00:46:21] I think it's something that makes [00:46:24] it's building on something that's already going on [00:46:27] in the city, which I think makes New Port Richey extremely [00:46:30] cool and a very attractive place for me [00:46:32] to consider working as a developer. [00:46:36] I want to especially commend the way [00:46:39] that Mr. Mettler wrote the ordinance. [00:46:42] I've been involved with the sausage making of ordinance [00:46:45] writing. [00:46:45] I know it's very difficult for them [00:46:47] to grow a lot of fingers and toes [00:46:51] and get out of control very quickly. [00:46:54] I think the way that it's written is very elegant, [00:46:56] because it keeps things fairly simple. [00:46:59] I know it looks like it's long, because it's [00:47:03] dealing with every category. [00:47:04] But the structure of it is pretty simple and clean. [00:47:09] And that's actually hard to do. [00:47:11] And believe me, I hate an overwrought ordinance [00:47:14] as much as the next person. [00:47:16] And so I think this is nicely written. [00:47:20] I understand the concerns that have [00:47:23] been raised by council and by the LDRB [00:47:25] are valid concerns to be worried about in general. [00:47:30] But I think this ordinance, because of the kind of people [00:47:35] that it would appeal to, is going [00:47:37] to be fairly self-regulating. [00:47:40] In terms of as an urbanist and a guy who's [00:47:45] into cool cities and neighborliness [00:47:48] and front porches, which I'm excited about that ordinance [00:47:52] as well that's coming up this evening, [00:47:56] there's a social dynamic to urban agriculture [00:48:00] and gardening that's more intensive [00:48:04] than the passive kind of decorative landscapes [00:48:07] that most people do, which gets people [00:48:09] into their front yards more, which from a safety standpoint [00:48:12] is more eyes on the street. [00:48:14] From a sociability standpoint, it's more people to talk to. [00:48:18] And there's something magical about having [00:48:19] a garden to talk to, to talk about, [00:48:22] because it's a safe third topic. [00:48:25] It's not that you can have a conversation with somebody [00:48:27] that's meaningful without getting too personal. [00:48:30] That's a subtle thing, but it's an important aspect [00:48:33] of city life that I think this ordinance helps foster. [00:48:36] So I encourage you to pass this in whatever form [00:48:40] it needs to end up passing, but I'm excited about it. [00:48:43] Thank you. [00:48:44] Thank you. [00:48:44] Anyone else? [00:48:46] Thank you. [00:48:55] Good evening, Mayor and Council. [00:48:57] I'm Donald Cadle, 6820 River Road. [00:49:01] I'll state first off that I was the only vote on the Land [00:49:05] Development Review Board that was in favor of this, [00:49:08] and I'm still in favor of it. [00:49:11] I think it has some very good aspects. [00:49:13] Many of you know that with my wife, [00:49:16] I'm also a part-time farmer. [00:49:17] We do organic farming, and this really [00:49:20] covers a lot of those aspects where [00:49:22] you're looking at organics, as opposed to a lot of chemicals [00:49:25] that are going into yards and into decorative types [00:49:30] of shrubs. [00:49:30] So environmentally, it's much better for the soil [00:49:34] in New Port Richey. [00:49:36] And I think that one thing that you'll see, [00:49:38] we've been to a lot of seminars in farming, [00:49:40] and we've seen urban farming that's really coming off, [00:49:44] is that the people that are doing this, [00:49:46] it's not going to be everybody out there. [00:49:48] Every street corner is not going to have a farm on it. [00:49:51] Every person's not going to go out and have [00:49:53] a farm on their property. [00:49:55] I think it would be very limited, [00:49:56] but the people that have that are [00:49:58] going to take a lot of pride in it, [00:49:59] and they're going to do very well with it. [00:50:01] They're going to have nice-looking places that [00:50:04] are productive, that are good to the city. [00:50:09] If you were to go online and look on urban agriculture, [00:50:13] you would look at a number of cities [00:50:15] that already implement it. [00:50:16] It's not something that's new. [00:50:18] It's been going on for a long time, [00:50:19] all the way from New York City to small cities. [00:50:25] There's numerous large cities that already have it. [00:50:28] Not only do they have it in new yards, [00:50:29] they have it on rooftops. [00:50:30] They have it wherever they can put organic vegetables to grow. [00:50:35] So I think that we really need to be open-minded looking [00:50:38] at this. [00:50:39] It's good for the city. [00:50:40] It's good for the residents. [00:50:42] And I think that you should pass it. [00:50:44] Thank you. [00:50:44] Thank you. [00:50:54] I'm Jim Kovaleski. [00:50:55] I live at 5642 Virginia Avenue, New Port Richey. [00:50:59] I'm an urban market gardener on Virginia Avenue. [00:51:03] I've been doing it for, I think this is about my eighth year. [00:51:07] I'm pretty much making my living doing this, [00:51:09] selling at farmer's markets and buyer's clubs. [00:51:13] I'd invite you to come by Virginia Avenue. [00:51:15] It's become known as the Garden District by the realtors, [00:51:18] because I'm also farming two other front yards of relatives [00:51:22] down there. [00:51:23] And it's kind of transformed the neighborhood. [00:51:27] I know there's been issues on people [00:51:28] worrying about property values. [00:51:30] A house next door to me actually sold above appraised value [00:51:33] because the women wanted it so much because of the gardens [00:51:36] on the street, which was kind of cool. [00:51:39] I really was impressed with that. [00:51:41] And one other story I'd like to tell you [00:51:43] is back in 2009, Florida Matters came out and did a little PBS [00:51:49] segment on urban farming in downtown New Port Richey. [00:51:52] And some woman in Pennsylvania was [00:51:54] looking to move to Florida. [00:51:55] And she was Googling something, and she [00:51:57] saw that little documentary. [00:51:59] And she says, I want to move there. [00:52:01] And it was funny then. [00:52:03] Three years later, I'm in my back alley, [00:52:05] and my neighbor Sherry's bringing this woman around. [00:52:07] She says, you're him. [00:52:09] And she actually moved because of what [00:52:12] Frank was talking about, that a place where people are trading [00:52:16] food, I was trading broccoli for citrus at the time [00:52:20] before the citrus all disappeared. [00:52:21] And it's really enhanced the interaction on my street. [00:52:25] And there's actually tourists come by to take pictures, [00:52:29] because gardens don't have to be messy looking. [00:52:32] People have come by and taken pictures [00:52:34] and didn't know it was food. [00:52:36] I know everybody won't have the aesthetic [00:52:38] that I have as a gardener for 35 years, [00:52:41] but it can be an attraction, not something to detraction. [00:52:50] That's all I got. [00:52:50] Thanks. [00:52:51] Thank you. [00:52:51] Thank you. [00:52:59] Anyone else wish to address council? [00:53:11] I'm actually a renter right now, 6149 Illinois. [00:53:14] I just have, I'm a home gardener myself. [00:53:18] Excuse me, may I have your name again, please? [00:53:20] Faye Kropick. [00:53:20] Thank you. [00:53:22] I'm a home gardener myself. [00:53:24] And I do it to feed my family and to feed my neighbors. [00:53:30] And I've been to Jim's house several times. [00:53:34] It's a wonderful property. [00:53:36] And because he spoke about it, I was actually [00:53:39] at a garden gala event in another county. [00:53:43] And his property, along with two others, [00:53:46] were mentioned from New Port Richey. [00:53:49] And these people had come from out of state for this garden [00:53:53] event, and they made it two hours away [00:53:55] to come see over here in New Port Richey. [00:53:59] So it's a growing pastime. [00:54:03] It's a very easy way for us to be proud of our city. [00:54:09] Because a lot of people here put a lot of time and effort [00:54:13] growing in their yards. [00:54:15] And they don't just grow their yards, [00:54:17] they grow their networks in the community. [00:54:21] And so many people know each other, and talk, and have [00:54:26] events, and share each other, just because of the gardening. [00:54:29] And I know, because I've seen several of your faces [00:54:31] at the events. [00:54:32] And I know, Mr. Marlowe, I've seen you and the council [00:54:35] at the library events. [00:54:38] I appreciate the involvement of the city council [00:54:41] in things like this, because it encourages my family, [00:54:43] like my son here, to be a part of their city, [00:54:48] and to take it seriously. [00:54:49] Because even though we rent right now, we're trying to buy, [00:54:53] and this is where I want to live. [00:54:55] And I encourage all my friends to get in the dirt. [00:55:00] Because if you spend your time and your sweat in your yard [00:55:04] and in your neighborhood, the work [00:55:07] shows, because your neighbors see that you care, [00:55:12] and they try to care, too. [00:55:14] So that's all I have to say. [00:55:15] Thank you. [00:55:16] And I support this order. [00:55:18] Thank you. [00:55:27] Hello, folks. [00:55:28] My name is Steve Wexler. [00:55:30] I died at 6614 Orange Blossom Trail, Fort Richard. [00:55:35] Well, just a few years ago, I was able to come up and enjoy [00:55:38] your really cool little city, after being [00:55:39] a resident in St. Petersburg for probably 20 years. [00:55:43] And I've always had an interest in gardening. [00:55:45] Now, we live in a little zero lot lighthouse. [00:55:47] But when we came here, the property [00:55:49] had nothing but rocks, nothing. [00:55:51] The whole block, actually, is mostly rocks. [00:55:53] Not a very, not the most attractive block. [00:55:55] If you like life, not too many things live in a rock garden. [00:55:58] But having said that, we took a couple years [00:56:01] and transformed this property. [00:56:03] And we grow fruit trees, and we have [00:56:05] raised beds that are lined with decorative rocks. [00:56:08] We grow collards. [00:56:09] And probably, last time I counted, [00:56:11] maybe 20 different things between the front yard [00:56:13] and the side yard on a zero lot line house. [00:56:15] But the most interesting event that probably took place [00:56:19] was a unification, like Faye had mentioned, [00:56:22] and Jim had mentioned, and Frank had mentioned, [00:56:26] regarding the commonality of being [00:56:27] able to take such a small catalyst [00:56:30] and bring a community together. [00:56:33] Whether it's on your singular block, [00:56:35] or whether it's a larger geographic area, [00:56:38] we enjoy our neighbors more than maybe most, [00:56:41] because people, hey, you want some strawberries, [00:56:43] you want some collards? [00:56:44] They come over, and now people know one another, [00:56:47] which maybe they might not have known before. [00:56:49] So it's really important, when you see this catalyst, [00:56:52] when you see the ability to generate [00:56:54] more positive energy in the community, [00:56:57] to embrace it, enjoy it. [00:57:00] Liberty is wonderful. [00:57:02] And that's really what struck me, [00:57:05] was the ability to find greater enjoyment [00:57:08] through a simple thing like being able [00:57:10] to grow your own food and share it with your neighbors. [00:57:12] It's a wonderful thing. [00:57:13] Times are getting tough. [00:57:15] The demographics in New Port Richey [00:57:16] are different from the community [00:57:18] I lived in St. Petersburg. [00:57:20] And even in St. Petersburg, they were in the vanguard [00:57:22] with the downtown market. [00:57:24] I remember that in the genesis. [00:57:25] And I think it's really important to try to step outside [00:57:28] and really grasp that energy and enjoy it. [00:57:31] And being able to feed yourself and your neighbors [00:57:33] is a satisfying thing. [00:57:35] Being able to grow your own food is an edifying thing. [00:57:38] And I think that liberty is important to keep in mind, [00:57:41] to extend that to the residents and friends and family. [00:57:45] And that's pretty much all I had to say. [00:57:47] So think outside the box. [00:57:48] Don't let certain interests overwhelm [00:57:51] a reasonable process that really isn't offensive to anyone. [00:57:55] And if you find that you need to have a regulation [00:57:57] to make sure that people understand [00:57:59] the difference between a four-foot weed [00:58:02] and maybe a four-foot tomato plant, that can be overcome. [00:58:06] Those things are able to be overcome. [00:58:08] So let's make the right decisions. [00:58:09] I congratulate you for your insights. [00:58:12] Sorry to interrupt, Jeff, [00:58:14] but I thought that was appropriate [00:58:16] because it's so important not to conflate issues [00:58:19] and not to confuse issues. [00:58:22] So I thought that was really insightful. [00:58:24] Thank you for your good work. [00:58:25] And we look forward to the future in New Port Richey. [00:58:27] Thanks. [00:58:28] Thank you. [00:58:29] Thank you. [00:58:37] Hi, I'm Cindy Cadle, 6820 River Road, New Port Richey. [00:58:42] Just wanted to mention something. [00:58:43] I have the pleasure of being a vendor [00:58:45] at the Tasty Tuesday Market. [00:58:47] I think most of you are familiar with our fresh market [00:58:50] in the library on Tuesday. [00:58:53] Jim and I are vendors there [00:58:54] as well as other people in the room. [00:58:56] And we just, I don't know if y'all are aware, [00:58:58] we were just able to take on the ability [00:59:02] to take SNAP benefits, food stamps, [00:59:05] where people who definitely need good healthy food [00:59:09] can come and use their EBT card. [00:59:11] They get tokens for how much they want, [00:59:14] and they can use those tokens [00:59:16] on fresh Florida-grown local food. [00:59:19] And since we've been doing that, [00:59:20] the market has grown tremendously. [00:59:22] It's helped so many people [00:59:24] who cannot otherwise afford the food. [00:59:27] They actually get twice as much as their value [00:59:31] for Florida-grown foods. [00:59:33] I cannot speak in front of you guys [00:59:34] without getting tongue-tied. [00:59:36] Anyway, it's a really, really good thing. [00:59:37] It's excellent for our community. [00:59:39] It's built the market. [00:59:40] And it's also telling us that we are going [00:59:42] to probably need some more vendors there. [00:59:45] We're going to need some more growers there. [00:59:47] And it will encourage more people probably [00:59:49] to grow good healthy food [00:59:50] that in turn can be offered to our community. [00:59:53] Thank you. [00:59:54] Thank you. [00:59:55] Thank you. [01:00:00] I'm Denise Houston and I live also on Virginia Avenue. And I think what you're going to find [01:00:09] is that the type of people that are going to be attracted to gardens are going to be [01:00:14] the kind of people that we want to grow in our city. Virginia Avenue, if you've been [01:00:19] to any of the events on it, if you've driven down it, we are all proud of our front yard [01:00:24] gardens. [01:00:39] My name is Will Clark. I live at 5627 Virginia. We downsized. We had a nice big piece of property [01:00:47] out in the county and we had the opportunity to look around. It was Virginia Avenue and [01:00:52] Jim's garden that really brought us to it. And since we've had a garden, I can tell you [01:00:57] that people stop all day long. You know, any time we're out there on the weekends, bathing, [01:01:02] growing, and they just stop and say, it looks awesome. It's so great. It's so wonderful [01:01:07] being able to share food. You know, when somebody wants something, you can go ahead and prompt [01:01:12] them. You know, it's a wonderful thing. It really is a wonderful thing. [01:01:18] Thank you. [01:01:28] Here comes a closer. [01:01:35] Out of respect for the time we spent up here, I'll give you an extra 30 seconds, Mr. Deschamps. [01:01:39] I appreciate that, Mr. [01:01:40] Because you've been through my soliloquies and I've been through yours. [01:01:44] I appreciate that, Mr. Phillips. Thank you. Del Deschamps, City of New Port Richey, 6119 [01:01:49] Illinois Avenue, and also the Chair of the Environmental Committee. [01:01:54] Syndicato has just passed out some material that's supplemental to what Mr. Meador said [01:01:59] and what our other speakers have said. I've come before you for the last three years encouraging [01:02:06] you to move in the direction of an urban agriculture ordinance along these lines. What Mr. Meador [01:02:13] has created, to my mind, is one of the most outstanding urban agriculture ordinances I've seen. [01:02:20] I study these things in my line of work at the university, teaching about religion and ecology [01:02:27] and religion and food. And I've reviewed many urban agriculture ordinances, and I don't think you're [01:02:32] going to get a better one than this. If we do go to a work session, understood. I can understand the [01:02:38] possible reasons for it. I would strongly encourage you, though, if you can see your way clear to do it, [01:02:45] to go ahead and pass this on first reading tonight. I would strongly encourage you doing this. [01:02:50] I've spoken to you for three years about it. I've given you documentation for three years, [01:02:55] some of which is included, by the way, in the packets that I just gave you. The websites, the ordinances [01:03:00] from other cities, the success of programs such as this in reducing crime and creating neighborliness [01:03:06] and building stronger community and building a stronger sense of place. These gardens do that. [01:03:12] They've been shown to do it around the country and, indeed, around the world. To not have the opportunity [01:03:17] to do this in New Port Richey is really a loss for the city, in my mind. This gives us all an opportunity to do that. [01:03:25] Thank you. I do want to acknowledge everyone that did come out tonight. I'm sure you recognize most of the people [01:03:31] here tonight, right now, or still in the room, are here because of this ordinance. I would like them to stand up [01:03:36] just to acknowledge them and thank them for coming. If you came out tonight for the Urban Agriculture Ordinance, [01:03:40] I would like you to stand up just to show the kind of support that we have. Thank you all. Thank you very much. [01:03:48] Acknowledge yourself, too. I'm using up my time. Acknowledge yourself. Also, just as a point of note, [01:03:54] as you probably know also, there could have been many, many, many more people if we had worked hard [01:03:59] to try to bring out more people. That is certainly the case. I'd encourage the folks that came tonight [01:04:05] to be residents of the city of New Port Richey, being sensitive to our concerns about that. [01:04:10] The folks that are here are, by and large, residents of the city of New Port Richey. [01:04:13] Everything that was said tonight is absolutely true. I can speak from personal experience. [01:04:18] It is amazing to me what I've seen in my own life, working in my own garden, at my own community. [01:04:24] The folks that just spoke, Will and Anna, who just moved into town, by the way, happened to come by my garden. [01:04:32] They were amazed that there were other gardens besides what's on Virginia Avenue. [01:04:36] This is something that could happen throughout the city. [01:04:39] I do want to take just a moment and address a couple of concerns that may be present. [01:04:43] It might be what's driving the concern about possibly going to work session. I understand that. [01:04:48] One of the challenges is that there seems to be a possible concern that the gardens would become unruly or unsightly [01:04:56] and create a code enforcement issue. I understand that. [01:05:01] I think, however, as has been said by many other folks, and as you can see from visiting websites on community gardens, [01:05:07] that that really will not be an issue. [01:05:09] In fact, the people that have gardens at their homes will care for them better than most people who have yards in front of their homes. [01:05:16] That's a point of fact. [01:05:17] I also believe that the other types of challenges that code enforcement have will far outweigh the types of challenges [01:05:24] that would occur in the context of individual gardens at homes. [01:05:30] These will all be permitted and registered gardens. [01:05:33] In point of fact, my hunch is, in the first year, there will probably be relatively few, maybe six or seven in the very first year. [01:05:40] Believe me, all of us will have a very close eye on that. [01:05:44] So I humbly request that you consider this on first reading and ask for your approval tonight. [01:05:48] Thank you. [01:05:49] Anyone else? [01:06:02] Anyone else wish to address council on this issue? [01:06:06] Seeing no one else come forward, I'll bring it back to council. [01:06:08] Mr. Mayor, if I might. [01:06:09] Yes. [01:06:11] I'm in favor of the ordinance. [01:06:12] I'm not in favor, Mr. Davis, of pushing it down the road for a work session. [01:06:16] Because, Nita, I remind you of the possibility that you and I might not have a seat at the work session. [01:06:25] So we have an election coming up. [01:06:27] I'd like to get my two cents in while I can. [01:06:35] The reason I brought up the work session idea is we have much more open discussions in those work sessions than we have here. [01:06:42] Not that I'm against it at all. [01:06:44] I'm totally for it. [01:06:45] But just questions that have been brought up that we'd have much more open discussion. [01:06:49] If we want to go ahead without it, I'm fine with that. [01:06:52] If I might suggest, if we go ahead and do some discussion, if at the end of the discussion we're still uncomfortable, then we'll do that. [01:06:59] That's fine. [01:07:00] Deputy Mayor? [01:07:01] I think Mr. Starkey had some more points he wanted to make. [01:07:04] I'm in favor of it. [01:07:05] I just got back from Key West. [01:07:06] Key West is one of my favorite cities. [01:07:07] I know Mr. Davis enjoys Key West as well. [01:07:09] It's got such a uniqueness about it, and that's what draws people there. [01:07:13] I agree with the gentleman, Travis, was it you, that said Newport Ridge is becoming somewhat of a trend center. [01:07:21] All of a sudden, I'm starting to read more about code compliance, teaming up with the Sheriff's Office on a countywide basis. [01:07:27] And I think we kind of got the ball rolling on that. [01:07:29] Like, we're not going to put up with this anymore. [01:07:31] As far as regulations go, I mean, anyone that takes the time to have a garden in their front side or backyard, I don't think we have to worry about it. [01:07:39] I think that's the least of our concerns. [01:07:41] Let's get to it. [01:07:43] My concerns are the people that don't want to take care of their property, that are renting to people that also don't want to take care of their property [01:07:53] and are parking cars in the front yard. [01:07:55] To me, it comes across as quite a bit, but to me, it's not that complicated. [01:08:01] It's really not. [01:08:03] And I think this would be a strong, strong positive for the city of Newport to help attract the people that we want to live here, [01:08:09] not the people we're having to deal with living here currently. [01:08:13] I know everyone's going to speak, but I will make a motion after everyone speaks in favor of this motion, of this ordinance. [01:08:23] I just don't think it's that complicated, and I think it's going to be friend-setting. [01:08:28] I really do. [01:08:29] I think it's going to grab people's attention and kind of put us on the map. [01:08:33] Thank you. [01:08:34] Councilwoman? [01:08:35] Yes. [01:08:36] Well, I think when we first started this conversation about two or three years ago, I very strongly encouraged. [01:08:42] I grew up with a grandfather who provided food for his family. [01:08:46] This goes back 100 years ago. [01:08:51] I'm a strong proponent for growing your own food. [01:08:55] My 90-year-old mother was interested in the hydroponic gardening in the backyard where you have the fish and then the fish fossil, [01:09:04] and I think it was Morning Star Farms that are up in Hudson or whatever that had her keen interest in that. [01:09:11] But my concerns are that this is so broad. [01:09:15] For instance, why not allow the hydroponics in the backyard? [01:09:20] I don't want to pick it apart tonight, but that is my concern. [01:09:23] I don't want to pass this thing and then understand what it is. [01:09:27] One of the other – this is the creme de la creme as far as I'm concerned. [01:09:32] You all are here. [01:09:33] Obviously, you're passionate about this, and I lived on Virginia Avenue, and I'm absolutely delighted with what happened. [01:09:42] Mr. Kobuleski and I were quarters. [01:09:45] I know you took fruit from our orange tree and I think shared it with – [01:09:49] it's all a wonderful, marvelous – we think it's new, but again, people have been growing food and bartering for centuries. [01:09:58] This is probably a phenomenon that goes back about 40 years. [01:10:02] The uptick in going to Disney World and seeing that their ornamentals are edible, [01:10:11] it's trend-setting and it's very trendy right now, [01:10:14] and it's the young urban folks that we want to encourage to come into our city [01:10:20] that are the ones that are the forefront of this seeming phenomenon. [01:10:25] But as I said, what is old is new again. [01:10:29] But I do have concerns. [01:10:31] Again, as I said, you folks are the creme de la creme. [01:10:34] But if you go and look in the city, there are gardens that use plastic buckets and string. [01:10:44] I don't know what the house is, but it's just not what you'd want to see. [01:10:48] I would not want that to be my neighbor. [01:10:51] So does it need design guidelines? [01:10:55] It just needs something to be addressed in this. [01:10:58] The idea of having to permit to grow your food, I'm not sure that I'm – [01:11:03] maybe that's a little libertarian of me, but I don't want to see this become that. [01:11:11] But do we want to encourage the type of growing that the folks on Virginia Avenue do? [01:11:19] I think that that area is a beautiful garden district [01:11:23] and it's a beautiful area that harkens to Gulfport [01:11:29] or the Village of the Arts down in the Brandon area. [01:11:33] I don't know how well that would translate on Grand Boulevard [01:11:39] unless it was the quality gardens that you all are growing now. [01:11:44] So I think sitting up here we need to look at what is going to be that broad spectrum [01:11:51] of passing an ordinance like this that permits, [01:11:55] because I think that is one of the key pieces, is the front yard gardening. [01:12:00] And again, on Virginia Avenue it equates beautifully, [01:12:03] it looks beautiful, and it's a very quaint area. [01:12:06] I'm just not sure how that would translate across the board. [01:12:11] So I think, again, that because this is so broad and it has so many pieces to it, [01:12:17] I would rather be educated. [01:12:20] I would like to see samples of making the pictures explain the information. [01:12:28] So it's not that I'm kicking the can down the road. [01:12:32] I'm encouraging that we do. [01:12:34] It's very appropriate. [01:12:37] Grow your own food. [01:12:39] I'm not sure that I would want to see it commercial [01:12:43] where you're selling it off your property even in a garage sale style. [01:12:52] Unless it was, I know there's a community in Clearwater where they do an annual garage sale [01:12:57] and everybody in the community has that garage sale.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 14.b
First Reading, Ordinance #2016-2074: Comprehensive Plan Amendment - Urban Agriculture
discussedCouncil discussed a first reading of Ordinance #2016-2074, a Comprehensive Plan Amendment regarding urban agriculture. A speaker expressed support for community gardens and food growing while raising concerns about the need for constraints to prevent blight, questioning whether permitting was necessary.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2016-2074
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[01:13:01] Of course, if you're growing food, that's not something you'd have to harvest [01:13:07] and share it as it grows along. [01:13:09] So I don't mean to be rambling, but I'm all for growing food. [01:13:15] I'm all for us having the opportunity to have gardens. [01:13:19] I don't know that we necessarily need to permit it, [01:13:26] but we definitely do need to have constraints so that we don't have what could be perceived as blight,
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 14.c
First Reading, Ordinance #2016-2076: Golf Carts on City Roadways
approvedFirst reading of Ordinance #2016-2076 (also referenced as 2016-2067 in transcript) creating Article IX to permit golf cart operation on designated city streets east of US 19, with equipment, licensing, insurance, and inspection requirements. Staff noted amendments striking 'Bank Street' and replacing with 'Grand Boulevard' in Section 9.10. Motion to approve passed on first reading; reciprocity with New Port Richey and policing in Sims Park noted as future considerations.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2016-2076
- motion:Move for approval of Ordinance 2016-2076 (first reading) permitting golf carts on designated city streets, with amendments striking Bank Street and substituting Grand Boulevard. (passed)
5820 Nebraska Avenue, New Port Richey, FloridaGrand Boulevard south of GolfIndiana Avenue from Madison to CongressMain Street from Grand Boulevard to River RoadDavisDebbie MannsMcPhersonMr. PoblickSean McCartStarkeyArticle IX Golf Carts Sections 9.0-9.12Ordinance 2016-2067Ordinance 2016-2076Section 9.10 area of legal operationSection 9.8 subsection HSims Parkreciprocity with City of Port Richey▶ Jump to 1:13:33 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:13:35] especially when the gardens are fallow or whatever. [01:13:38] And again, I'm trying to look at that broad spectrum [01:13:41] because we'll have this quality garden and then you have the other end of it as well. [01:13:48] Thank you. [01:13:51] The one, I think, legitimate concern that I've heard expressed, as I understand from the LBRB, [01:13:59] was the question of front yard gardens. [01:14:02] I live on the north side of my street. [01:14:05] If I were to have a garden, it would by necessity have to be in my front yard. [01:14:12] You guys are mercifully safe from that since I tend to kill any plant that I touch. [01:14:18] But were I to try to actually grow a garden, it would have to be in the front yard. [01:14:24] And quite frankly, given a choice between looking at a front yard with a garden in it [01:14:32] and looking at some of the rental units we've got with five and six cars sprawled all over the front yard, [01:14:39] I'd rather have the garden. [01:14:47] Certainly I will bow to the wishes of my colleagues, but I'm prepared to vote on this tonight. [01:14:54] Deputy Mayor. [01:15:00] Mr. Deshawn, I promise I'll try to be short, because you and I have a tendency to really [01:15:06] have passion for everything that we do. [01:15:09] I have a couple of questions. [01:15:13] Mr. Poblick and Mr. Metzler, are you guys ready to go to work? [01:15:17] Are you ready to go to work? [01:15:18] I'm just asking the question. [01:15:19] Yes. [01:15:20] Because if you're not ready to go to work, then we got... [01:15:23] Second thing is, I'm not running for re-election. [01:15:25] I don't have to run, so I'm here. [01:15:28] Mr. Starkey makes the motion tonight. [01:15:31] I will second it, because I think we need to move this down the road. [01:15:36] But I am not going to move anything down the road like I did back in 2012, when I came [01:15:44] on council and we were talking about animal control, because that was a poor, poor effort [01:15:52] on our part. [01:15:53] And if we don't do it right out of the gate, it don't get done right. [01:15:57] So I want to make sure that the lawyer's ready to work. [01:15:59] I'm ready to make sure that he's ready to work, because the LRB, I was very pleased [01:16:04] to hear them at least bring up questions and stuff. [01:16:06] But I really was disappointed that some people think that we're short-sighted up here, because [01:16:10] I think we've been pretty open-minded and pretty broad over the last three to four years. [01:16:16] I think you haven't seen us put our head in the sand, haven't done anything. [01:16:19] We've taken on the tough issues. [01:16:21] We think this would be a great element for our city. [01:16:26] And we know it will be, but we all want to understand it a little bit better. [01:16:31] We want to be able to balance it and blend it, because one of my things I've spoken about [01:16:37] incessantly in the last three years is about raising the property value on every home in [01:16:44] New Port Richey. [01:16:46] And is that selfish? [01:16:48] Yes. [01:16:49] Because I have 65% of my net worth tied up in my home. [01:16:54] And that's the reason why my net worth, when I retire, when somebody lets me go from my [01:16:59] indentured servitude of working 60 hours a week, and then doing all the things else that [01:17:06] we do, I just want to make sure that when I cash out, that I leave the best property [01:17:12] I can to present what I've done growing up in the property I have in New Port Richey. [01:17:18] I'm just hoping, as Mr. Starkey and others up here have done, we just wish other people [01:17:23] would take that much pride today in what they have. [01:17:26] So if Mr. Starkey makes the motion, I will want to move it, but I still want to have [01:17:31] the work session so that we can, I want to tighten it up a little bit. [01:17:36] I want to make sure that when it goes to second reading and it comes out of the gate, that [01:17:42] we haven't created that car that's going downhill that doesn't have really good brakes on it. [01:17:51] So I really, I think you've done a great job. [01:17:54] I think there's a lot of balance here, and I think with the people that are passionate [01:17:58] and the people that want to see this, and to see how it blends into the framework and [01:18:05] the way New Port Richey is, I think that we need to move it down because I like to keep [01:18:11] the ball rolling. [01:18:12] Because I've always said, if you're standing still, you're backing up. [01:18:16] So my last thing is, I just want to make sure that as we move forward, that we collaboratively [01:18:23] look at this like we have in the past, and kind of bring that final ordinance in place [01:18:30] so we can implement it and make it a real positive for the community. [01:18:33] So that's what I'm looking at. [01:18:34] Thank you, sir. [01:18:35] Councilman Davis. [01:18:36] That's exactly where I'm at. [01:18:39] I think we've got a great first step, maybe even a great large first step. [01:18:45] But there's a couple of things. [01:18:46] We do have somewhere 45% rentals, and if Rob and I are going to be gardeners, and we're [01:18:53] going to have more failures than successes. [01:18:56] And so the people that have the failures pack up and move out, and there's their yard all [01:19:01] torn up. [01:19:02] And so there's some questions there. [01:19:05] We have like the creme de la creme we sit in here, but we're going to have some failures [01:19:09] in the town. [01:19:11] Rob and I are two of the failures if we try to grow anything. [01:19:16] So that I want to take a look at that a little bit. [01:19:19] And also, to go one step further, because I actually was involved in mosquito control [01:19:24] in my first life, that if you leave buckets, and you've gone ahead, and you've worked your [01:19:30] butt off all year, and now you've got your harvest, and you're just going to sit there [01:19:34] all summer, it's going to gather rain in those buckets, and that's going to be mosquitoes. [01:19:39] And so there's some things there that we have to address. [01:19:42] Oh yeah. [01:19:43] Oh. [01:19:44] Oh. [01:19:45] Well, that's a fact. [01:19:46] Oh. [01:19:47] Oh. [01:19:48] That's a fact. [01:19:49] Yeah, thank you. [01:19:50] Mr. Davis has the floor. [01:19:51] That's a fact. [01:19:52] Your three foot kiddies pool that doesn't get maintained, buckets of just standing water, [01:20:01] your tires that have water in them, that's where mosquitoes breed, and that's a matter [01:20:06] of fact. [01:20:07] So I'm just saying that these are things that your neighbor would be concerned about if you [01:20:12] were a failure. [01:20:13] Thank you. [01:20:14] Thank you. [01:20:15] Mr. Starkey. [01:20:16] Do we have to make two motions? [01:20:17] Yes, sir. [01:20:18] We'd need to do these separately. [01:20:19] Two separately. [01:20:20] So I move to approve ordinance number 2016-2073, the urban agriculture. [01:20:23] Second. [01:20:24] We have a motion and a second to the maker. [01:20:27] Nothing further. [01:20:28] Thank you. [01:20:29] A second. [01:20:30] No, I'm fine, Mr. Mayor. [01:20:31] Further discussion? [01:20:32] Yeah. [01:20:33] We addressed this as Mr. Phillips, and kind of that was what my gist was, that we have [01:20:39] to really fine-tune this because this is really going to have long, long effect on our community. [01:20:46] Thrilled that we're at this point, but I really do think we need to sharpen our pencils and [01:20:51] take a look at it. [01:20:52] Thank you. [01:20:53] I have nothing further. [01:20:54] There's no further discussion. [01:20:55] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:20:56] Aye. [01:20:57] Opposed? [01:20:58] Motion passes. [01:20:59] Mr. Starkey. [01:21:00] Move to approve ordinance number 2016-2073, the urban agriculture. [01:21:01] Second. [01:21:02] Mr. Starkey. [01:21:03] Move to approve ordinance number 2016-2075 to amend the comprehensive plan. [01:21:07] 7-4. [01:21:08] 7-4. [01:21:09] 7-4. [01:21:10] Second. [01:21:11] 2-0-7-4. [01:21:12] Nothing further. [01:21:13] A second. [01:21:14] Yeah, I want to make this a really good model because I'd like people to follow us, and [01:21:18] I think we've done a good job of that over the last couple of years. [01:21:21] It's really nice to see other cities in Pasco County and the county come behind us and use [01:21:26] some of our models because we've taken the broad step to do that. [01:21:31] And I think being able to do that, and as I've always said, I want to be the best New Port Richey we can be. [01:21:36] There's no further discussion. [01:21:37] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:21:38] Aye. [01:21:39] Opposed? [01:21:40] Like sign. [01:21:41] At this point, it is 8-21, which is our customary time to take about a 10-minute break. [01:21:42] We'll be back here at 8-31. [01:21:43] Thank you. [01:21:44] Thank you. [01:21:45] Thank you. [01:21:46] Thank you. [01:21:47] Thank you. [01:21:48] Thank you. [01:21:49] Thank you. [01:21:50] Thank you. [01:21:51] Thank you. [01:21:52] Thank you. [01:21:53] Thank you. [01:21:54] Thank you. [01:21:55] Thank you. [01:21:56] Thank you. [01:21:57] Next item on the agenda is first reading of ordinance 2016-2067. [01:22:07] An ordinance of the City Council. [01:22:08] The city of New Port Richey, Florida creating Article IX golf carts in Sections 9.0 through [01:22:13] 9.12. [01:22:14] Providing for the operation of golf carts upon designated city streets. [01:22:19] Providing for mandatory equipment requirement. [01:22:21] Providing for restrictions relating to the operation of golf carts. [01:22:23] And for severability and an effective date. [01:22:27] I do have two things to note on page 87. [01:22:32] Anybody needs to turn the mic up? [01:22:38] Page 87, Section 9.10. [01:22:41] There needs to be a strike through a bank street and replaced with Grand Boulevard. [01:22:44] I'm sorry, page 80. [01:22:46] That's true. [01:22:47] Page 87, Section 9.10, area of legal operation. [01:22:53] We're going to go ahead and strike Bank Street and change that to Grand Boulevard. [01:22:59] And on the next page, same section, subsection D, it should read Grand Boulevard south of [01:23:07] golf. [01:23:08] Those are the only modifications I have at this time. [01:23:13] Okay, do we have a presentation on this, Ms. Manns? [01:23:18] I'm sure Public will make a short presentation on this item to permit the use of golf carts [01:23:25] on certain roads within the city. [01:23:27] Public, can I just ask you to clarify that that is 9.10, it was A, and it should read [01:23:33] Main Street with the exception of Main Street from Bank Street to River Road, it should [01:23:37] say what? [01:23:38] It should say from Grand Boulevard to River Road. [01:23:39] We're just adding that one more block. [01:23:41] Yeah, so the golf carts will be permitted on that one section, which is designed to [01:23:45] allow them to get over the bridge. [01:23:47] That's the same with the other one, it's basically to get across the bridge on South [01:23:52] Grand. [01:23:53] Great. [01:23:54] Okay, thank you. [01:23:55] Okay, what we have is an ordinance designed to permit golf cart use on certain designated [01:24:02] streets in the city. [01:24:05] The properties that will be permitted are those east of US 19, more specifically described [01:24:12] in the Exhibit A, the attached map. [01:24:17] So all the golf carts, make sure I've got all these, I got my pages out of order now. [01:24:30] All operators are going to be required to have a driver's license. [01:24:34] They're going to be required to be inspected, and the police department will issue a sticker [01:24:41] which will be affixed to the golf cart indicating that it has been inspected and is licensed [01:24:45] to be operated on the streets. [01:24:48] There will be no golf cart driving on the sidewalks. [01:24:58] It will be permitted to be parked in specific, or in vehicle parking spaces, but they have [01:25:05] to be side-by-side to allow the golf carts to go in and out. [01:25:11] Insurance is required on the golf carts, it has been brought up about the possibility [01:25:16] or what the cost is of having insurance on golf carts, and I don't have an answer for [01:25:21] that at this time. [01:25:22] I don't know if Mr. Starkey has any insight. [01:25:26] It's not very expensive. [01:25:27] Sometimes you can add it to your auto policy, but if you get a standalone policy, just be [01:25:31] sure they know it's street use, because a lot of, even homeowner's companies, you can [01:25:34] endorse it on, but that's only for golf cart communities, so just be sure you're letting [01:25:37] your agent or whoever you speak to on the 1-800 number know that it's for street use. [01:25:46] No one under five years of age is permitted in the golf cart. [01:25:51] Some of the items that the golf carts are going to be required to have are functioning [01:25:58] turn signals, brake lights, seat belts. [01:26:03] They are required to have a horn and a rear-view mirror. [01:26:07] For those golf carts driving at night, in addition to the aforementioned, they'll also [01:26:11] have to have headlights and a windshield. [01:26:21] And I'm available to answer any specific questions that you may have. [01:26:24] That's kind of the brief overview. [01:26:26] Okay. [01:26:27] Let me open this up for public comment at this time. [01:26:32] Anyone wishing to address Council, please come forward and give us your name and address [01:26:35] for the record. [01:26:36] Good evening. [01:26:37] Sean McCart, 5820 Nebraska Avenue, New Port Richey, Florida. [01:26:44] Thanks for your work on this. [01:26:45] I know we started this back on December 15th when I was able to box pop and put it back [01:26:50] on the radar. [01:26:51] It's something that goes even way back to when Mr. McPherson was mayor of the city and [01:26:55] something he tried to get done and it got kind of indefinitely tabled. [01:26:59] And it's just to get it back on the city's radar and now an official ordinance being [01:27:04] going through, it's great. [01:27:05] And I appreciate all of you for that. [01:27:07] Just a couple quick comments on it. [01:27:10] One of the things we were really looking for was, and I've just kind of got a little bit [01:27:13] better understanding, was reciprocity with the city of New Port Richey. [01:27:16] I don't see anything about that in the ordinance and I understand maybe this one has to pass [01:27:20] first until we can be, have that reciprocity that we had talked about, allowing people [01:27:25] that had a license golf cart in New Port Richey to be able to come here and hoping for vice [01:27:30] versa, the same thing that we could go into New Port Richey and in a way of asking people [01:27:35] that they can come down for our special events and the restaurants and so forth and business [01:27:38] in the city of New Port Richey. [01:27:40] So I didn't see anything in the ordinance, if I'm wrong, just tell me I'm wrong. [01:27:45] One of the other ones was, you had on page 88, section 9.8, subsection H, Indiana Avenue, [01:27:55] from Madison to Congress. [01:27:57] I probably understand why you wrote that in there being near the hospital, but I think [01:28:01] if I'm in a golf cart, I can get out of the way of an emergency vehicle a lot easier than [01:28:05] a car can. [01:28:06] I can pull up in somebody's yard and they're probably not going to care as much as if I [01:28:08] drove a Jeep up into their yard. [01:28:11] So if that's the reasoning, I'd ask you to look at that. [01:28:13] The main reason I would is because it's, we're headed to, it's kind of one of the main [01:28:17] routes going up to the rec center and it is, I think we have probably one of the nicest [01:28:20] rec centers, definitely in Pasco County. [01:28:24] So I know people might want to go up and use that facility, might want to take their golf [01:28:27] cart to go to the pool, but I'd ask you to look and really consider removing that subsection [01:28:32] H, unless there really is something, a reason for cutting that out that I'm not seeing. [01:28:39] And the other one was the five years of age. [01:28:41] I know a lot of families go out and I'd like to hear discussion when it comes from you [01:28:44] guys of what you're looking for in that age. [01:28:47] If a family's out and wants to come into the city and they have a child that's under five [01:28:51] years old, you know, is, is there, if they're using some sort of a restraining device, such [01:28:55] as a child seat, because we have seat belts in them, so we could lock in a child seat. [01:28:59] Why could not they be on a golf cart with their family and what your questions are? [01:29:03] But I commend you on this. [01:29:04] I mean, it's a great ordinance and I thank you much for getting us through and I hope [01:29:07] you'll approve it. [01:29:08] Thanks. [01:29:09] Thank you. [01:29:10] Thank you. [01:29:11] Thank you. [01:29:12] Anyone else? [01:29:13] I think no one else. [01:29:17] Come forward. [01:29:18] Please, come on, come on down. [01:29:29] This is really a question more than a comment. [01:29:43] I used to have a golf cart. [01:29:45] It was street legal. [01:29:47] I had a tag on it and I had the insurance cost $1,000 a year, but is this ordinance [01:29:55] going to do anything for the street legal golf carts? [01:30:00] Is this just, you're talking about requiring insurance [01:30:04] and inspections by the police department. [01:30:07] Mine was, I got a tag from a motor vehicle, [01:30:10] so would that have to be inspected [01:30:13] by the police department? [01:30:14] Mr. Publick, my understanding is this is for the vehicles [01:30:18] that aren't quite to the standard. [01:30:20] That is correct. [01:30:21] If you're registered and you actually have a tag [01:30:23] on your vehicle, this would not apply to you. [01:30:25] It would follow the statutes. [01:30:27] Mr. Mayor, there was a very informative blog [01:30:29] you wrote about the differences in selling motor vehicles. [01:30:33] Thank you. [01:30:34] Anyone else? [01:30:39] Seeing no one else come forward, I'll bring it back to council. [01:30:43] Move for approval. [01:30:44] Second. [01:30:45] We have a motion and a second to the maker. [01:30:47] No, I agree with the reciprocity. [01:30:50] We may have to wait a little bit until we [01:30:52] can get interaction with whoever their city manager is going [01:30:58] to be so they can facilitate it out to their council people [01:31:01] and try to work it out. [01:31:02] Mr. Publick, obviously, is the city attorney there [01:31:07] and the city attorney here. [01:31:08] So we did try to dovetail a lot of the ordinance [01:31:11] to meet those so we could make that bridge across. [01:31:17] Mine is a secondary question that will come into play [01:31:21] after we get past second reading. [01:31:23] And that's how we're going to be able to police those [01:31:28] as they begin to reverse into our part, especially into Sims Park. [01:31:35] People think because they see them doing it at special events [01:31:38] that they can rock and roll up and down the sidewalks. [01:31:41] We made them bigger, all those. [01:31:44] And in some cases, as I said, it'll be after second reading. [01:31:48] But we're going to need to figure out a way to have them staged in an area [01:31:52] or something. [01:31:53] I don't know. [01:31:54] It comes with when you put this into place. [01:31:58] But I think it's a viable vehicular option in the city. [01:32:04] And it adds for a lot more conversation, a little more community [01:32:08] as you're riding and you're in and around. [01:32:11] Mr. Starkey. [01:32:12] Just like the previous ordinance we were discussing, [01:32:14] I think this just brings one more form of uniqueness to our city. [01:32:17] And I think people are really going to enjoy it. [01:32:20] Councilwoman? [01:32:20] Yeah, I just have a question about having [01:32:24] had experience with special events. [01:32:26] There are golf cart companies who lend event coordinators their golf [01:32:31] carts. [01:32:32] And the golf carts during the course of the event [01:32:34] are used on the streets. [01:32:36] And so will there be an exception to those specific golf [01:32:40] carts that are being used during the course of those special events? [01:32:43] You're right in the MOU. [01:32:46] Well, the way the ordinance is currently written, [01:32:48] there are no exceptions that that would fall under. [01:32:50] However, I think council would be able to make that exception when [01:32:53] you grant the special event permit. [01:32:55] OK, yeah, because one of the questions I had to the city attorney [01:32:59] was how many golf carts come out from the manufacturer [01:33:02] with seatbelts, turn signals, and horns. [01:33:05] So that would be a concern. [01:33:08] Councilman Davis? [01:33:10] We have the flyer that we're in the process of handing out [01:33:14] to people that have the driveway. [01:33:18] We want them to adhere to our new driveway ordinance. [01:33:21] And I'd like some kind of flyer like that available to these people [01:33:25] that do get the golf carts. [01:33:27] And of course, with the corrections on this map, [01:33:30] so when they get the permit for their golf cart, [01:33:34] they also get a map of where they can go and where they can't. [01:33:37] Absolutely. [01:33:38] I mean, all the rules and regulations will be prepared. [01:33:40] Yeah, not all, but kind of a condensed version. [01:33:44] Yeah, staff is working on kind of a pamphlet that [01:33:46] will have the highlights of everything, the required equipment, [01:33:49] the copy of the map, and the different items. [01:33:51] But that will be provided at a staff level. [01:33:53] And this map needs to be updated. [01:33:54] Yes, sir. [01:33:55] It's street legal. [01:33:56] You just keep doing what you're doing, right? [01:33:57] That is correct. [01:33:58] If you've got a tag on it, this doesn't apply. [01:34:01] One other question. [01:34:02] So the police would be inspecting the golf carts.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 14.d
First Reading, Ordinance #2016-2077: Code Amendment - Front Porches
approvedFirst reading of Ordinance 2016-2077, amending the Land Development Code to relax setback standards and allow front porch encroachments without a variance in R1, R2, and R3 single-family residential zoning districts, subject to design criteria. Council unanimously approved the motion on first reading; staff was asked to consider allowing variances for non-covered elements like pergolas at a future point.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2016-2077
- motion:Motion to approve first reading of Ordinance 2016-2077 amending the Land Development Code regarding front porch setbacks. (passed)
3104 Alachua PlaceLand Development Review BoardLongleafChris MettlerFrank StarkeyMr. SharkeyMs. HookMs. MannsHome Improvement Reimbursement Grant ProgramOrdinance 2016-2077Section 2.01.00 definitionsSection 7.01.03 R1 zoning setbacksSection 7.02.05 R2 zoning setbacksSection 7.02.11 R2 zoning setbacksSection 7.03.03 R3 zoning setbacks▶ Jump to 1:34:05 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:34:07] And are they going to go to the golf carts, [01:34:09] or are the golf carts going to go to the police department? [01:34:11] The golf carts are going to go to the police department. [01:34:15] And so, traversing to the police department? [01:34:20] They need to follow the designated route. [01:34:23] Right, OK. [01:34:24] To get there. [01:34:25] I know that's not the next question that's [01:34:27] going to come through the pipe. [01:34:30] And this takes effect effective May 1st. [01:34:32] So that means that between now and May 1st, did I read that? [01:34:37] The ordinance shall have an effective date of May 1st? [01:34:39] That's the date that was put in there. [01:34:40] That date can be changed or modified as council sees fit. [01:34:43] I just needed to put a date in there. [01:34:45] OK, well, if we're approving this now, [01:34:47] or bringing it to a vote, are we making that date? [01:34:50] There's a second reading. [01:34:51] OK, all right, great. [01:34:52] Thank you. [01:34:55] I think this is one more in a step of things [01:34:59] we're doing to make New Port Richey more walkable, more [01:35:02] bikeable, more pedestrian friendly. [01:35:06] It's just a nicer place to live. [01:35:11] There are a lot of golf carts on the road right now. [01:35:13] And I think putting this ordinance in place [01:35:17] recognizes the fact that they're already out there. [01:35:22] And as Ms. Hook mentioned, my blog, [01:35:26] which mentions one of the things we're [01:35:29] going to need to look at in relation to some of these [01:35:34] are probably some charging stations. [01:35:37] Because a fair number of them, including [01:35:39] some of the ones that are being used this weekend or this week [01:35:41] at Chasco, are indeed electric. [01:35:45] And that's the next step. [01:35:47] If we've got somebody that's coming downtown [01:35:49] in their golf cart to have dinner or whatever, [01:35:51] it'd be nice if they had a place where they could plug in [01:35:53] while they went to eat. [01:35:55] That doesn't need to be part of this ordinance. [01:35:59] But I think it's something that needs to be on our radar [01:36:01] as we're going forward and starting [01:36:03] to look at some of our parking issues. [01:36:04] One more quick question. [01:36:06] Mr. Murray, whenever you're finished. [01:36:07] Yes, go ahead. [01:36:10] In Woodridge Estates, you're stuck there, it looks like. [01:36:13] Correct? [01:36:14] According to this map, you can't go on Congress. [01:36:17] If you cross Congress, there's no way to get downtown [01:36:19] without going on Congress or Mass. [01:36:23] You guys know where Woodridge is? [01:36:24] You can cross the prohibited streets. [01:36:27] You're permitted to cross them. [01:36:28] You're just not permitted to drive on them. [01:36:32] You can cross any of these streets at a 90 degree angle. [01:36:35] Even by doing that, I don't see a way [01:36:37] to get downtown from Woodridge, unless I'm [01:36:39] missing something. [01:36:41] That's the one down by the post office. [01:36:43] No, Woodridge Estates is, if you take Massachusetts [01:36:47] to Roan Road and take a left, the front entrance [01:36:50] is right there, across from the old Mongolia Valley, [01:36:53] the newer neighborhood. [01:36:56] The top right, basically, where you see Congress, [01:36:58] and there's a lake in the middle to the right. [01:37:01] I'm sure we can look at that in a second reading. [01:37:03] We can look at it. [01:37:04] They're landlocked up there, but they want to get one. [01:37:07] Yes, sir. [01:37:09] If we could, before second reading, that would be good. [01:37:12] I can show you, Mr. Public, what I'm talking about. [01:37:14] Please do. [01:37:15] Thank you. [01:37:17] Congress Street, that section of Congress, [01:37:19] and Roan Road on the other side is owned and operated. [01:37:25] So we don't have any jurisdiction on Congress [01:37:28] to be able to get them out. [01:37:29] We have ownership of Bandora, but there's [01:37:34] a section that's about 600 feet just east of Congress Street [01:37:39] that is the county's, and then that portion of Congress Street [01:37:43] belongs to the county as well. [01:37:44] It's not until you get on Massachusetts Avenue [01:37:47] to take over on the show. [01:37:49] So you've got to be quick, is what you're saying. [01:37:51] Exactly. [01:37:52] I'm sorry. [01:37:54] I was just trying to see if you got what you were saying. [01:38:01] Very good. [01:38:02] There's no more discussion. [01:38:05] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:38:07] Aye. [01:38:08] Opposed, like sign. [01:38:10] Motion passes. [01:38:11] Next is first reading of ordinance 2016-2077. [01:38:14] Mr. Public. [01:38:15] In ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, [01:38:17] amending the Land Development Code, section 2.01.00, [01:38:21] definitions to provide a definition of front porch, [01:38:24] amending section 7.01.03, R1 zoning, district setbacks, [01:38:28] amending section 7.02.05, R2 zoning, district setback [01:38:33] on lots platted or property annexed after May 19, 1981, [01:38:38] amending section 7.02.11, R2 zoning, district setbacks [01:38:42] on lots platted on property annexed on or before May 19, [01:38:46] 1981, amending section 7.03.03, R3 zoning, district setbacks, [01:38:53] providing for severability, providing for codification, [01:38:55] providing for an effective date. [01:38:57] Mr. Mayor, members of the council, [01:38:59] the purpose of this agenda item is [01:39:01] to improve the appearance of our residential neighborhoods. [01:39:04] What we're doing specifically is we're [01:39:05] relaxing the setback standards as it [01:39:08] relates to the establishment of front porches. [01:39:11] Chris, did you have anything to add tonight to this? [01:39:15] I couldn't remember if you did a PowerPoint. [01:39:17] I do have a brief PowerPoint. [01:39:18] OK, great. [01:39:21] The ordinance relates to the single family residential [01:39:25] zoning districts. [01:39:28] Currently, you would need a variance on the setback [01:39:31] requirement to establish a porch. [01:39:33] We are recommending that we omit that standard. [01:39:37] And I'll let Chris go ahead with his PowerPoint. [01:39:39] Thank you. [01:39:41] Thank you. [01:39:41] Chris Mettler with the Development Department. [01:39:43] And as Ms. Manns indicated, this ordinance [01:39:46] would allow or encourage homeowners [01:39:48] to add a front porch by allowing a setback encroachment [01:39:51] without a variance if they follow certain design criteria. [01:39:54] And it affects the R1, R2, R3 single family [01:39:57] residential districts. [01:39:59] The benefits are intended to improve property values, [01:40:02] as well as to provide some social and safety benefits. [01:40:06] And these are some examples of front porches [01:40:09] that we're trying to encourage. [01:40:10] These are porches that are a substantial size, [01:40:13] but are still in proportion to the house. [01:40:16] They're open to encourage observation and interaction. [01:40:20] And again, in order to receive the setback encroachment [01:40:24] allowance, certain design criteria [01:40:26] would have to be addressed, addressing configuration, [01:40:30] massing, and consistency with the design of the home. [01:40:35] These are some examples of some of the front porch [01:40:38] configurations that would be allowed. [01:40:40] The porch would have to be a minimum of 50% [01:40:42] of the building facade width, excluding garage bays. [01:40:46] Could be as wide as all of the house, [01:40:50] except for the garage bay. [01:40:52] In the case of a lot with a detached garage, [01:40:55] the porch could extend the entire length of the house. [01:40:59] This is an example of a corner lot with a front porch [01:41:04] that's allowed on the second front facing a street. [01:41:07] And this is an example of a wraparound porch. [01:41:10] So we recommend approval of the code amendment. [01:41:14] Also, I'll say that the city has a home improvement [01:41:17] reimbursement grant program, and a front porch [01:41:20] would be eligible for a grant. [01:41:23] The Land Development Review Board did review this [01:41:24] at their March 17th meeting, and they recommended approval. [01:41:29] Thank you. [01:41:29] This is public hearing, open it up for public comment. [01:41:34] Mr. Starkey. [01:41:39] Frank Starkey, 3104 Alachua Place. [01:41:42] I am a porch man. [01:41:43] If you've been to some of my previous work, [01:41:46] you may have seen that. [01:41:48] I'm delighted about this ordinance, [01:41:52] for all the reasons that Mr. Mettler mentioned. [01:41:55] But one of the things I'll point out to you, [01:41:57] if you've been to Longleaf, [01:41:58] the distance between the front property line [01:42:01] and the porch is about 10 feet, [01:42:04] which is about the same distance, [01:42:06] if you're sitting on the porch [01:42:07] and you're standing on the sidewalk, [01:42:09] it's about the same distance that I am to you right now, [01:42:11] which is a natural conversational distance. [01:42:14] That's an important thing, [01:42:16] because it allows you to carry on a conversation casually [01:42:20] without having to raise your voice, [01:42:21] which means you're more likely to carry on a conversation. [01:42:23] Nobody wants to have to shout at each other. [01:42:26] And your neighbors, especially, [01:42:28] don't want you having to shout at each other. [01:42:30] Another thing, and I don't think this is in the ordinance, [01:42:32] but it's probably typical with, [01:42:34] it's gonna be the case with a lot of the older buildings, [01:42:37] older houses in New Port Richey, [01:42:40] is that the floor of the porch, [01:42:41] when it's up above the ground, just as we are right now, [01:42:45] when you're standing on the sidewalk [01:42:47] and you're sitting on the porch, you're at eye level. [01:42:49] Which, if you're sitting on the porch [01:42:51] as the sovereign of your domain, [01:42:55] you don't want to be below eye level of the person [01:42:59] who's the common slob passing by on the sidewalk. [01:43:02] So it is important to have that up. [01:43:03] It's not in the ordinance, and I understand that, [01:43:05] but I, oh, it is? [01:43:06] It is addressed as part of the design criteria. [01:43:08] Perfect. [01:43:09] That's something that we arm-wrestled builders over [01:43:13] in Longleaf many times. [01:43:14] Didn't understand it, [01:43:15] but residents understood it immediately, [01:43:18] usually once they moved in. [01:43:20] So that's a great thing. [01:43:22] The 10-foot depth, minimum depth, [01:43:24] is a little bit more than it needs to be, [01:43:25] but I'd rather be a little bit deeper [01:43:28] than a little bit too shallow. [01:43:30] We mandated eight feet as a minimum depth, [01:43:33] which is enough depth that if you have a porch [01:43:37] at that depth and you don't have furniture on it, [01:43:38] it looks ridiculous. [01:43:40] Much less than that, and you can't fit furniture on it, [01:43:43] and then it doesn't get used at all. [01:43:45] So the design criteria are critical, [01:43:48] and I'm glad to see those in there. [01:43:50] But again, this is a really important [01:43:52] and beneficial thing for the neighborliness of the city. [01:43:56] It also, it increases the property value two ways. [01:44:00] One, by just improving the appearance of the house, [01:44:02] because porches have a lot of architectural state [01:44:05] and character to them, and detail, [01:44:09] but it also just increases the buildable square footage [01:44:12] of every lot, which just creates latent value [01:44:14] for everybody to take advantage of. [01:44:18] So that's an important thing that just, [01:44:21] it just fires on all cylinders [01:44:22] in terms of creating value for the city as a whole, [01:44:25] for the quality of each street, [01:44:27] for the safety of those streets, [01:44:29] and for the property values of the citizens on them. [01:44:31] So thank you very much. [01:44:32] Thank you. [01:44:34] Anyone else? [01:44:37] I think no one else coming forward. [01:44:39] I'll bring it back to council. [01:44:40] Move to approve. [01:44:41] Second. [01:44:42] We have a motion and a second to the maker. [01:44:44] I am ecstatic. [01:44:45] I grew up up north with a house with a porch, [01:44:48] and every house that was up there lived in, [01:44:52] and since I've lived in Florida, [01:44:53] I have not had that luxury, [01:44:55] and we were just discussing that recently, [01:44:57] so I couldn't be more happy. [01:45:00] As I drove around town, I saw a lot of the 40s and 50s houses [01:45:05] that are up off the ground. [01:45:06] And a lot of their front porches have been enclosed. [01:45:09] And so I think this might push people to maybe open up [01:45:13] that front where they close it in just for maybe a little [01:45:16] family room or something, and open up the whole way [01:45:18] across the front of their house and become neighborly. [01:45:21] Deputy Mayor? [01:45:22] Yeah, I think it adds community back in. [01:45:25] I think it adds that depth. [01:45:27] The footage that does it. [01:45:29] The only thing, Mr. Mettler, is I would probably [01:45:32] look at, at some point, us allowing some variances [01:45:39] to the covered aspect. [01:45:41] I think there's some really nice architectural things [01:45:44] you can do on some of the homes that we have, [01:45:47] that you might be able to do a pergola-looking element [01:45:50] or something that gives that feel [01:45:52] and gives it that uniqueness, which obviously adds to value, [01:45:57] but also adds to a different character for that street. [01:46:00] I know it's not addressed here. [01:46:01] I just think that if we're thinking [01:46:04] that far outside the box, and to not make everything [01:46:08] covered and structured, but give it that uniqueness so [01:46:12] that people go down the street, they [01:46:14] see how somebody's modified a house that [01:46:17] had an enclosed porch or an enclosed carport. [01:46:20] And now they build a new one on, and it just [01:46:23] gives it a really new, fresh update. [01:46:26] And I think that, in some ways, it challenges and encourages [01:46:33] your neighbors or your other property owners [01:46:36] to add some of those unique elements to the home. [01:46:41] Mr. Sharkey. [01:46:42] I agree with everything that's been said. [01:46:44] Just one quick question. [01:46:45] The grant program still would have [01:46:47] to adhere to minimum income requirements and all of that. [01:46:51] OK. [01:46:52] That's true. [01:46:52] Yeah, she's not going to let us get in the door. [01:46:56] Yeah. [01:47:00] I think this is, again, one of those things [01:47:02] that we can do to help make the city just more [01:47:06] friendly for people walking by and actually getting [01:47:11] to know people. [01:47:15] I'm in favor of it. [01:47:17] There's no further discussion. [01:47:18] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 15.a
Cotee River Seafest - Alcoholic Beverage Special Event Permit
approvedCouncil approved an Alcoholic Beverage Special Event Permit for the Greater New Port Richey Main Street Program's Cotee River Seafood Festival, to be held April 22-24 at Sims Park. Deputy Mayor requested updated Main Street Board of Directors information, insurance verification, and asked vendors be relocated to minimize damage to grass areas.
- motion:Motion to approve the Alcoholic Beverage Special Event Permit for the Cotee River Seafood Festival. (passed)
6231 Graham BoulevardGreater New Port Richey Main Street ProgramMs. MannsChasco FiestaCotee River SeafestSims Park▶ Jump to 1:47:20 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:47:20] Aye. [01:47:21] Opposed, like sign. [01:47:22] Motion passes. [01:47:24] Next item is the 15A, the Cody River Seafood Festival [01:47:30] Alcoholic Beverage Special Event Permit. [01:47:33] Ms. Manns. [01:47:34] Mr. Mayor, the applicant of this request [01:47:36] is the Greater New Port Richey Main Street Program. [01:47:40] Specifically, they are asking permission [01:47:43] to serve alcoholic beverages at their special event [01:47:46] on Friday, April 22nd from 5 o'clock to 11 o'clock. [01:47:51] On Saturday, April 23rd from 12 o'clock noon to 11 o'clock PM. [01:47:57] And on Sunday, April 24th from 1 o'clock PM to 9 o'clock PM. [01:48:03] The application was reviewed by the special events team [01:48:09] on March 15, 2015. [01:48:12] And they unanimously recommended in favor [01:48:16] of recommending this request to you for approval. [01:48:21] Thank you. [01:48:21] We'll open this up for public comment. [01:48:25] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [01:48:27] Move for approval. [01:48:28] The maker? [01:48:30] Nothing. [01:48:30] Second. [01:48:32] Are all, it's a really, anything to do with alcohol, [01:48:35] just a quick question. [01:48:37] Are the vendors all lined up at the seafood festival this year? [01:48:40] Is anyone here from the seafood? [01:48:42] How many do we have? [01:48:43] We're still working on it. [01:48:47] OK. [01:48:48] I was just curious as to how that was coming. [01:48:57] Yes. [01:48:59] OK, thank you. [01:49:02] Councilman? [01:49:03] Delighted. [01:49:04] Hope they have great weather. [01:49:05] Deputy Mayor? [01:49:06] Yeah, just so I'm on point. [01:49:11] The physical address of the Greater New Portage View [01:49:14] Main Street is still 6231 Graham Boulevard. [01:49:19] OK. [01:49:20] I just want to make sure that the insurance certificates [01:49:22] and everything are in order. [01:49:23] And then also, just as a point, if you [01:49:29] could provide a new Greater New Portage View Main Street [01:49:34] Board of Directors listing with proper addresses, [01:49:38] proper emails, all those kind of things, [01:49:41] I just want to make sure that the package is clarity. [01:49:44] And whether you do it before, I'll [01:49:47] let the manager decide, do it before as we [01:49:49] close the event out. [01:49:52] And the only thing on the map, you [01:49:55] have an area with a number two for one of your food vendors. [01:50:00] And I'm going to try to be logistic on it. [01:50:02] It's off of the main walkway going from Main Street [01:50:05] as you walk towards and almost in between the two, [01:50:09] before you get to the two shade structures. [01:50:12] If any way possible to cloister that a little bit further over, [01:50:17] I know that we've allowed, only because it's as big as it is, [01:50:22] Chasco Fiesta to do that. [01:50:25] And the least amount of damage that we [01:50:28] can do to some of these grass areas [01:50:30] is really important to me. [01:50:32] Plus, my colleagues and I, and me as one, [01:50:38] really, I guess, spent long and hard times [01:50:42] to really, when people come, that they can really [01:50:45] catch that vista from the stage to the shade area. [01:50:50] We saw those used this weekend. [01:50:52] But also, all the way down to the river. [01:50:54] I know it doesn't sell anything. [01:50:57] But it sure the heck sells New Port Richey [01:51:00] and it sells Sims Park. [01:51:02] If there's any way to kind of move that a little bit, [01:51:04] that would be helpful. [01:51:05] If it doesn't work this year, maybe next. [01:51:07] I just really am partial to not beating up [01:51:12] everything that we have, please. [01:51:14] I mean, it's tough to watch. [01:51:17] We want people to come. [01:51:19] It was greatly attended over the weekend. [01:51:22] I was there Saturday and Sunday. [01:51:24] But some of the visuals, I think, [01:51:27] that they could really get and really talk about later on [01:51:31] is about how we stage some things, [01:51:33] especially with that paver walkway and some other things. [01:51:37] There's got to be a different clock. [01:51:38] There's got to be a different pedestrian clock [01:51:41] that we can kind of work on. [01:51:42] But otherwise, look forward to a great event. [01:51:46] Thank you. [01:51:48] Only comment I have, I've already [01:51:51] shared this with Ms. Manns. [01:51:54] We need to make sure that the local bars understand [01:51:58] that just because we've got alcohol in the park [01:52:00] does not mean that it's open carry all over the city. [01:52:04] We had one that was serving alcohol [01:52:07] on the sidewalk this weekend.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 15.b
RESTORE Act Subaward Agreement: City of New Port Richey and Pasco County
tabledStaff recommended tabling the RESTORE Act subaward agreement between the City of New Port Richey and Pasco County because the city attorney indicated the subaward agreement was incomplete. The item will be brought back at the next meeting.
- direction:Table the RESTORE Act subaward agreement and bring it back at the next meeting due to incomplete agreement. (tabled)
▶ Jump to 1:52:10 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:52:11] There's no further discussion. [01:52:12] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:52:14] Aye. [01:52:15] Opposed, like sign. [01:52:16] Motion passes. [01:52:17] Next, Restore Act subaward, City of New Port Richey, [01:52:21] Pasco County. [01:52:22] Ms. Manns? [01:52:22] Mr. Mayor, we are recommending that this item [01:52:24] be tabled this evening. [01:52:27] The city attorney has brought it to my attention [01:52:29] that the subaward agreement is not complete. [01:52:32] Very good. [01:52:32] We'll table that motion, then bring it back at next meeting.
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- 15.c
Pinehill Park Lease Agreement
approvedCouncil approved a renewed lease agreement with Pasco County for the operation and maintenance of Pinehill Park (Pine Hill Ballpark) for a five-year term (3 years base with two 1-year renewable options). The county has indicated it will not continue operating the park after June 2021, prompting council discussion about planning for the city to take over operations.
- motion:Move to approve the Pinehill Park lease agreement with Pasco County for a five-year term (three-year base with two one-year renewable options). (passed)
Pinehill Park / Pine Hill BallparkPasco CountyTrinity RotaryWest Pasco Little LeagueDebbieElaineMr. DavisRobert3-1-1 lease structurePinehill Park Lease Agreementpark lighting system replacement▶ Jump to 1:52:35 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:52:39] Next is the Pine Hill Park lease agreement. [01:52:43] Mr. Mayor, the lease for the operation and maintenance [01:52:49] of Pine Hill Ballpark elapsed in 2013. [01:52:54] As I'm sure you will recall, the city [01:52:56] is the owner of the property. [01:52:58] And the county is the operator. [01:53:01] And they tend to maintenance of the park. [01:53:04] Our relationship with them dates back to 1986, [01:53:08] when the park was originally established. [01:53:12] The current discussion is about entering [01:53:15] into a renewed agreement with them for a five-year term. [01:53:20] Specifically, the term would be for a base of three years [01:53:26] with two one-year renewable options. [01:53:31] The county has indicated to the city [01:53:33] that at the conclusion of the agreement [01:53:37] that they will not be interested in being [01:53:41] responsible for the operations of the park [01:53:45] at that time, which incidentally would be June of 2021. [01:53:51] The staff has reviewed the lease agreement. [01:53:54] And it's our recommendation that you approve it [01:53:59] for the five-year term. [01:54:01] Thank you. [01:54:01] I'll open this up for public comment. [01:54:04] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [01:54:07] Move for approval. [01:54:08] Thank you. [01:54:09] To the maker. [01:54:10] Yeah, really, when you read this, [01:54:12] it's really only a three-year lease. [01:54:15] Because either party can cancel in year four or five. [01:54:19] That's correct. [01:54:19] At their discretion, with a notice period. [01:54:22] So really, it's only a three-year lease. [01:54:27] I would recommend that if that's the case, [01:54:29] that we look at the most pessimistic avenue possible [01:54:34] and begin to figure out in year two of that lease what [01:54:38] it would take to bring that back under city purview [01:54:44] in conjunction with a long and hard conversation [01:54:49] with the primary user of that, which [01:54:52] is West Pasco Little League. [01:54:55] Because as you can see, this park is built in 1986. [01:54:59] Well, the operations went to the county in 86. [01:55:02] It was actually built in 1974. [01:55:07] And with that, you need to plan for two things. [01:55:11] One, taking over from an operational basis. [01:55:14] And number two, the structures that are on that property [01:55:19] continue to need ongoing work. [01:55:21] But with that, I'd approve to at least get us a little bit [01:55:26] further down the road. [01:55:27] Thank you. [01:55:27] To the second? [01:55:28] No, I mean, I agree it's going to be here in no time. [01:55:30] And this is kind of scary, actually, as far as, you know, [01:55:34] it's already too small, in my opinion, [01:55:36] for what the Little League needs. [01:55:39] And I don't see the county stepping up [01:55:40] to build a new Little League field anywhere in West Pasco [01:55:43] County. [01:55:43] It's all planned for East Pasco and Central Pasco [01:55:46] and some of the newer developments. [01:55:47] But there's a lot of kids in West Pasco, New Porichy, [01:55:50] Hudson, Porichy area that like playing baseball. [01:55:52] And it'd be great if the county could maybe come up [01:55:55] with a plan for those kids. [01:55:57] That's all I have. [01:55:58] Councilwoman? [01:56:00] It sounds like it's something that we need to do, [01:56:03] but I agree. [01:56:05] I was involved in a lot of this negotiating, [01:56:10] I guess, for a 3-1-1. [01:56:13] And the reason that I sat down and talked with the county [01:56:18] on this was because I was involved [01:56:20] in a lot of the work that's been done [01:56:22] in the last year or two years. [01:56:24] And when I started getting involved in it, [01:56:28] I called it Fielder Dreams, and everybody left 20 years ago. [01:56:32] And that was the condition that the park was in. [01:56:35] The county has stepped up, along with the city stepping up. [01:56:38] And they've put new fences up probably 10, 15 feet high. [01:56:42] The lower half, they haven't got the upper half, [01:56:46] they've got the lower half. [01:56:47] They've gone ahead, and the city's [01:56:48] done some major work on the dugouts now. [01:56:53] They've taken down halfway. [01:56:56] Trinity Rotary came in and painted and cleaned a lot. [01:57:01] Elaine had some of her people there doing that. [01:57:04] You can actually tell the little story about the water fountain. [01:57:09] How did you manage that? [01:57:11] Well, I guess it was so crusted, we weren't even [01:57:13] sure that it was working. [01:57:14] And when they got through cleaning it up, it was shiny. [01:57:18] So what's been happening out there, [01:57:21] and the reason I kind of wanted to do this 3-1-1 [01:57:24] was that the guy that's, this is the second guy [01:57:29] since I've been out there, he's the county employee, just one. [01:57:34] And they have some, what do you call it, [01:57:38] Operation Payback people to come out there and help a little bit. [01:57:41] But he's the guy that's ready to retire. [01:57:44] He's not putting in a major effort into the park. [01:57:47] So why I kind of negotiated a 3-1-1 [01:57:50] and brought that back to Debbie was [01:57:52] that after the three years, they really [01:57:56] want to stay with us for the five. [01:57:57] They're not ready to run out on us. [01:58:00] But it's so we can look at it and say, hey, [01:58:02] you're not doing this, or you're not doing this [01:58:04] for the next year. [01:58:05] So they don't dump us. [01:58:07] They could sit there and dump us Field of Dreams [01:58:11] 20 years late in three years, but I [01:58:13] think we're staying on top of it. [01:58:15] And I think that we're being involved a little bit. [01:58:17] Robert's got some of his people out there. [01:58:19] So I think we're going to go in the right direction. [01:58:23] They're also looking at changing the lighting [01:58:27] systems in all the parks. [01:58:29] And so I'd like us to be a part of that [01:58:31] when they make that change. [01:58:32] And those are controlled. [01:58:35] Actually, you'd be kind of surprised. [01:58:37] I think it's Clearwaters, all the lights [01:58:39] are controlled out of a company in Illinois or Ohio. [01:58:43] They turn them on and off. [01:58:44] I mean, you can override it, but it saves them [01:58:46] lots of money in that sense. [01:58:48] And also, as we negotiate out of this, [01:58:52] I would still like to see, and they're [01:58:54] willing to help us there, bring their landscaping chemical [01:58:59] people in when they do the other fields that [01:59:02] come around and do us, instead of us [01:59:03] having to reinvent the wheel. [01:59:06] They just come in and take care of our fields. [01:59:09] Also, when we go to buy clay, instead of us [01:59:11] just getting a one load price that we can get [01:59:14] the load that the county gets. [01:59:16] So all those things were discussed in this, [01:59:17] and they are all for it, all trying to work with us. [01:59:20] But they would hand over that lighting system to us, [01:59:23] and we would still be part of it underneath their contract. [01:59:29] Deputy Mayor, you have a question? [01:59:30] I appreciate Mr. Davis's optimism about the county, [01:59:34] but they can't maintain what they have now. [01:59:36] And they're going to change directors. [01:59:41] They're going to change the county administrators here [01:59:43] soon. [01:59:44] And you never know when the next person [01:59:49] comes in what kind of organization they have [01:59:51] or what kind of push. [01:59:52] And like I said, we're going to get three years minimum, [01:59:56] and then you got the one years. [01:59:59] We own it.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 15.d
2015/2016 Roadway Striping Project
Staff introduced the 2015/2016 Roadway Striping Project for Grand Boulevard from the southern city limits at Cecilia Drive to the northern city limits at Manatee Point Road. The transcript excerpt cuts off before any decision is recorded.
Grand Boulevard from the southern city limits at Cecilia Drive to the northern city limits located at Manatee Point Road2015/2016 Roadway Striping Project▶ Jump to 2:00:00 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[02:00:00] it. As Mr. Starkey said, it's way too small and has been for a long time. So there's going [02:00:06] to be a lot of elements back and forth with it. And it's nice. And the maintenance of [02:00:15] it is crucial, obviously, with safety and kids and learn how to play and stuff. [02:00:22] Thank you. I can't add anything to what you've already said. So there's no further discussion. [02:00:28] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Motion passes. [02:00:34] Next is the 2015-2016 roadway striping project. Mr. Mayor, the purpose of this agenda item [02:00:43] is to tend to the roadway striping on Grand Boulevard from the southern city limits at [02:00:50] Cecilia Drive to the northern city limits located at Manatee Point Road. Attached to
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- 15.e
Grand Boulevard Vacation of Right of Way
approvedCouncil formally vacated the portion of Grand Boulevard right-of-way between Sims Lane and Circle Boulevard that had been closed as part of the Sims Park Improvement Project. The Deputy Mayor raised concerns about whether the vacated parcel would become subject to the restrictions of Ordinance 1 governing Sims Park, requesting future clarity. The motion passed.
- motion:Move for approval of the formal vacation of the Grand Boulevard right-of-way between Sims Lane and Circle Boulevard. (passed)
Grand Boulevard between Sims Lane and Circle BoulevardHistorical SocietyMr. RibeiroMr. RiveraDRC (Development Review Committee) approvalHaciendaOrdinance 1 (Sims Park restrictions)Peace HallSims Park Improvement Project▶ Jump to 2:00:56 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[02:00:58] your communication from Mr. Rivera on April 5th is a proposal submitted on behalf of White [02:01:07] Leaf Traffic Solutions to conduct the work for an amount not to exceed $54,992.18. The [02:01:18] pricing is in accordance with the Pasco County's annual street markings contract, and we are [02:01:24] requesting to piggyback off of the Pasco County contract for the purpose of this work. Thank you. [02:01:32] Open this up for public comment. Seeing no one, come forward and bring it back to Council. Move for [02:01:37] approval. Second. Maker? Councillor? Second. Nothing. Councilman? No. Councilman? Nothing. Further? Me too. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Motion passes. [02:01:51] Next is Grand Boulevard vacation of right-of-way. Mr. Mayor, as you know, when the Sims Park Improvement Project was implemented, a portion of the Grand [02:02:06] Boulevard was vacated. Specifically, that was between Sims Lane and Circle Boulevard. The purpose of the agenda item this evening is to formally vacate that [02:02:21] right-of-way, and Mr. Ribeiro, did I forget anything on this one? You said it was presented to the DRC, and it was approved. Thank you. Thank you. Open it up for public comment. Seeing none, bring it back to Council. Move for approval. Second. Second to the maker. I think that element of the park is really tremendous, and I think it was a really good move, and I'm very pleased to be able to do it. Thank you. Second? Nothing. [02:02:50] Deputy Mayor? I just want to make sure that this doesn't get, I want to make sure that we have understood that it doesn't attach to Ordinance 1 with Sims, because if it does, there are restrictions on how you can develop or change that parcel. So I want to make sure that, and if it does, I want clarity that it, that there is, because all along, the main portion of [02:03:20] Ordinance 1 in Sims Park has so many restrictions, and rightfully so. They did it well back when they did it, because it didn't allow us any ability to expand the Hacienda in any direction, but since we've closed off a right-of-way road, and we have it to go along with Peace Hall and the Historical Society property, I just want to make sure that the ability for the city to make [02:03:50] changes with that is still in our court, and it doesn't attach to and become overridden by Ordinance 1. So just some kind of clarity down the road. I just don't, because those restrictions have curtailed some things with other developments, because there's a, what is it, if you do work on it, it can be recaptured by the original owners of the property. [02:04:15] And I think, I'm sure some of the Sims' heirs would love to have that property back these days, but we don't want to give them any opportunity to have it back. [02:04:25] Clarity? [02:04:25] Sir, Mr. Deputy Mayor. [02:04:28] Councilman? [02:04:29] Nothing further, thank you. [02:04:31] I've, of all the things we did in the park, tearing up that street and plopping the playground smack in the middle of it, I think, probably the best part, so. [02:04:42] And it was the most controversial, if you remember. [02:04:44] And it was the most controversial, but I think it has worked out very well. [02:04:49] There's no further discussion. [02:04:50] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [02:04:52] Aye.
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- 15.f
Invitation to Bid-16-009, As Needed Misc. Pipeline Construction Bid Award
approvedCouncil approved award of Invitation to Bid 16-009 to Shear Development of Central Florida in an amount not to exceed $3,861,853.44 for the 2015-16 As Needed Miscellaneous Pipeline project, continuing a standby contractor arrangement similar to a 2013 agreement. There was no budget impact; council briefly discussed the spread between bids and rising contractor pricing.
- motion:Motion to approve award of ITB 16-009 to Shear Development of Central Florida in an amount not to exceed $3,861,853.44 for the 2015-16 as-needed miscellaneous pipeline project. (passed)
Pasco CountyShear Development of Central FloridaMr. DavisMr. RiveraMr. Sharkey2013 standby pipeline contractor agreement2015-16 As Needed Miscellaneous Pipeline ProjectGrand Boulevard removal projectHemlock Drive water main replacement projectInvitation to Bid 16-009Rec Center and Aquatics water main relocation▶ Jump to 2:04:53 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[02:04:53] Opposed, like sign. [02:04:55] Motion passes. [02:04:56] Next is an invitation to bid 1609. [02:04:59] Mr. Rivera, can you present this agenda item? [02:05:02] Chair, this request for council is to consider for approval and award of a low bid submitted by Shear Development of Central Florida, an amount not to exceed $3,861,853.44 for the 2015 and 16 as needed miscellaneous pipeline project. [02:05:24] The contract responsibilities have been discussed with the contractor. [02:05:28] References have been identified by construction services staff. [02:05:34] They've also recommended the award. [02:05:36] Council may recall that we had a similar project in 2013, actually we would call it more of a contract or an agreement, where what it made available to the city was to have a construction company [02:05:52] on standby so that if we had emergency repairs or we had conflicts during other projects that we discovered, that we would be able to have terms and conditions and pricings already in an agreement stage to where we could skip that bid process. [02:06:12] May recall that in that 2013 agreement, some of the projects that were performed were the rec center and aquatics water main relocation, the Grand Boulevard removal project, as well as the Hemlock Drive water main replacement project. [02:06:30] This is basically a continuation or the next generation of the agreement and there are no funds, there is no budget impact, accordingly now it's just council giving us approval to be able to enter into an agreement to lock the pricing in. [02:06:48] Thank you, open it up for public comment. [02:06:51] Seeing none, bring it back to council. [02:06:53] Move for approval. [02:06:55] Second. [02:06:56] Mr. Rivera, I was looking at the bid documents and was interested to see that there was quite a healthy spread between 1, 2, and 3 and obviously Dallas 1 has been a very competent contractor for us. [02:07:13] I note they were a million one higher. [02:07:16] I can also, I guess to finish my comment, is it because the industry has caught up with the ability to have more work than they can do so their pricing has begun to inch up quite consistently? [02:07:32] I would agree with that. [02:07:34] Okay. [02:07:34] And I also would say that we took into consideration the contractor, his references and work that he's performed right now. [02:07:42] He has the same type of contract with Pasco County and has performed his duties accordingly. [02:07:50] Great. [02:07:51] Like I said, got a new kid on the block, those kind of things, you know, change orders are never a good thing and obviously from that standpoint, like I said, but when I see such a big, a big difference, it leads me to believe [02:08:04] that the economy has gotten quite a bit better on the contracting side. [02:08:08] I just wanted to make sure, and from your experience, I just wanted to make sure I understood that. [02:08:12] Thank you. [02:08:15] Mr. Sharkey? [02:08:16] Nothing further. [02:08:17] Councilman? [02:08:17] Nothing. [02:08:18] Mr. Davis? [02:08:18] Nothing. [02:08:20] Nothing either. [02:08:21] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [02:08:24] Aye. [02:08:24] Opposed, the like sign.
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- 15.g
Summary of Uncollected Special Events
discussedCouncil discussed approximately $40,000 in uncollected fees from 2014 and 2015 special events that the Finance Department failed to bill. Council expressed frustration over the billing failure but agreed the city should collect the outstanding amounts, noting that organizations had signed user agreements committing to pay. Staff confirmed billing processes have been corrected and that an agreement has been reached with the Chamber of Commerce on payment.
- direction:Council directed staff to proceed with collecting outstanding uncollected special event fees from 2014 and 2015. (none)
Sims ParkCenter for IndependenceChasco FiestaCultural Affairs CommissionGreater Downtown New Port Richey Main StreetWest Pasco Chamber of CommerceYouth and Family ServicesBob DavisMs. VanceStarkey2014 and 2015 calendar year special eventsMOU/user agreement process for special eventsSummer concert seriesUncollected special event fees (~$40,000)▶ Jump to 2:08:26 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[02:08:26] Next is a discussion on the summary of uncollected special events. [02:08:31] Ms. Vance? [02:08:32] Mr. Mayor, members of the council, this item is presented to you this evening based on a request from Councilman Davis, and therefore, I'll allow him to start the discussion. [02:08:47] It relates to the 2014 and 2015 calendar year special events. [02:08:53] Mr. Davis? [02:08:54] Hey, I brought this up a month ago, whenever it was, three weeks ago, and it just saw so much inconsistency, and so you guys asked to bring it back after you got a chance to look at it, and here I am with it. [02:09:09] With just a couple inconsistencies right off the bat, I see is the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce 2014 Holiday Street Parade Car Show, where we city subsidized 10 grand, but then last year, we didn't subsidize it at all, or this past December, didn't subsidize it at all. [02:09:30] There's another one with the Greater Downtown New Port Richey Street Holiday Boat Parade. [02:09:35] One year we didn't subsidize it, next year we subsidized it, and so there's some inconsistency, and then when I asked for this layout, this picture that we're looking at here, I asked where Chaskell was, and at that time, I didn't know that Chaskell was being 100% subsidized by the city. [02:09:58] So, they're a 501, Chambers a 501, the Center for Independence, Youth and Family Services, they're all 501s, so I know that we have some money in our own, as a council, we have some money in the budget. [02:10:18] How much, can we clarify that? [02:10:20] Is there any money in the budget for council? [02:10:22] Discretionary fund, whatever we're calling this, money I keep hearing about. [02:10:26] There isn't any money in the city council budget that isn't planned for, no. [02:10:32] Already allocated. [02:10:32] Well, I kind of have two sides to this story, too, because last year we had $25,000, and we gave $3,000 to the library for an event that was there. [02:10:47] We just dealt with $5,000 for Chaskell, and the people gave it back to us, they said they didn't want it. [02:10:53] So, I think there's a conflict here. [02:10:55] I've got two stories, and I'm saying that in my mind there must be at least $25,000 there, because that was worth the $25,000 we used a year ago to give the library $3,000, and that's where we took the $5,000 for the rental of the LED screen. [02:11:12] So, I don't understand, I was told that we're having a summer concert series, and in my opinion, a summer concert series in Florida is probably the worst idea yet, because of weather and heat, that a summer concert series, unless it's indoors, but I was thinking it would be at Sims Park. [02:11:34] So, I'm having too many things, and that's kind of why I brought this up. [02:11:39] You know, my concern about this is that, and it's my understanding that without exception, when these organizations came to the city to request having a special event in the park, they were told that there was going to be a cost associated with it, and for whatever reason, and it's shame on us, our bookkeeping accounting department did not bill almost $40,000 [02:12:08] that they should have billed on a timely basis. I'm not happy with that. That does not, and you know, this is same song, second verse. This is the same thing we got into a few months ago with a discussion about assessments for various things that we had never bothered to bill people for or collect, and that's just wrong. [02:12:33] We shouldn't be writing stuff off, because our bookkeeping staff is not competent enough to send out bills when they're supposed to. This has got to stop. We cannot be doing this over and over and over again, and quite frankly, you know, if we told the Chamber of Commerce that it was going to cost them $10,000 for the services they needed for their fundraiser, then we jolly well ought to be collecting it, and I'm not picking on the Chamber, [02:13:02] but, you know, every one of these falls in this category. We shouldn't just be giving away money because we haven't bothered to collect it. [02:13:11] In response, Mr. Mayor, I have two things to offer. First, in the case of all of the events, the City does provide a cost estimate, and in every case, the cost estimate was higher than the actual cost for the event, and the user agreement does make a commitment binding between the City and the event organizer that they will pay their bills. [02:13:36] Yes, there was a period of time during 14 and 15 where the bills were not generated by the Finance Department, but for the remainder of 15 and 16, we have been billing now, so we have put the process in place to make sure that this error isn't repeated. [02:13:57] Can I get an explanation of why the City subsidized the Holiday Street Parade in 14 but didn't in 15? Can I get an explanation of why Greater Downtown New Bridges Main Street boat parade wasn't subsidized one year and then was subsidized the next year? [02:14:17] I can give you an explanation. The Cultural Affairs Commission makes recommendations to the City Council on what events should be sponsored and in what fashion they should be supported, and it varies from year to year. [02:14:38] They determine what events are going to generate the most traffic, the most interest, the most enrichment for the community, and they use that as the basis of their decision. [02:14:53] The Chamber of Commerce is here this evening. [02:15:00] I can tell you that I've had a recent conversation with the chamber director, and yes, it's true, [02:15:08] we've created a hardship for them by nature of the fact that we failed to bill in 14, [02:15:14] we failed to bill in 15, but we've come to an agreement on what they can pay, and they've [02:15:20] accepted that in good faith. [02:15:23] Can we know? [02:15:26] Yes, you can know. [02:15:28] We decided that we would sponsor them the same in 15 as we did in 14. [02:15:36] What about greater downtown New Port Richey? [02:15:42] Remind me, Mr. Councilman, what your question is about greater New Port Richey Main Street. [02:15:48] We in fiscal year 15, 15-16, we sponsored, city subsidized now the Christmas boat parade, [02:15:59] I guess it was a holiday boat parade, $534, and I don't see it in... [02:16:09] This is uncollected. [02:16:10] That's just uncollected. [02:16:11] Okay. [02:16:12] Deputy Mayor? [02:16:13] Yeah, why we did something in 13 and 14 and 15 is that every year we put our budgets together. [02:16:25] People bring in their list of activities, list of their fundraisers, and we make a business [02:16:31] decision upon a number of different factors on whether we support it or we don't, or we [02:16:39] are from in-kind or we don't. [02:16:42] Some cases, 13 into 14, we were still struggling to balance budgets in a lot of different areas. [02:16:53] Over and above that, the MOU process, even though it's not a memorandum, it's more of [02:16:59] a longer document than that, but it does spell out what services we're going to provide and [02:17:06] what services we aren't going to provide. [02:17:09] How we're going to dovetail into the event, because I will tell you, watching our folks [02:17:15] work this weekend at Chasco, I admire what they do, because let me tell you, some of [02:17:24] those days I wouldn't want to be picking up that garbage over and over and over again, [02:17:28] but they step up, and then these other costs come back to law enforcement, safety, responders, [02:17:36] there's a whole series of things that go into this. [02:17:39] Our part in not billing them is shame on us. [02:17:43] If we can work it out and to move forward, that's fine, but I'm not going to go back [02:17:47] and say, why didn't we support Main Street? [02:17:50] Because then we could go back and we'll have to look at all the issues that Main Street [02:17:54] had then, what they have now, what we had with all these groups, but what we try to [02:17:58] do is we try to be a participant with them, and we give them pretty much carte blanche [02:18:05] use of some of our facilities. [02:18:07] And when we get them back, they ain't nothing like when we turned them over the day before [02:18:11] they started the event, but we work those back in. [02:18:15] I want to collect the money. [02:18:17] I don't think it sets a great precedence by sitting here and starting to talk about bracketing [02:18:23] it off that and subdividing this, because these are costs that are incurred, we need [02:18:28] to complete our income and then move from there. [02:18:33] So for whatever reason, it happened or didn't, this is what we have, this is what needs to [02:18:39] be collected, let's collect it and move on. [02:18:42] Councilwoman? [02:18:43] No, that was my question is, so this is what's showing as not collected and we are billing [02:18:49] them? [02:18:50] That's correct. [02:18:51] That's correct. [02:18:52] They have been billed. [02:18:53] Councilman Starkey? [02:18:54] I agree with everything the mayor said and with you, Mr. Mayor, on this. [02:18:57] It's no fun finding a bill two years later, but then again, when you sign up for it, you [02:19:02] know you're supposed to pay that. [02:19:03] So I mean, I doubt the majority of these organizations called up and said, hey, where's my bill for [02:19:09] that? [02:19:10] You know, but they had agreed to it prior.
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- 15.h
Three-Minute Report: Library
Library Director Ms. Dillinger gave the three-minute library report, highlighting February's 'Love Your Library Month' and the 'Show Your Love' program, where adults paid off children's late fees via numbered hearts on a bulletin board, allowing kids to check out materials again. She also noted librarians attended the Florida Library Association.
ChascoFlorida Library AssociationWest Pasco ChamberCrystalMs. DillingerWendy BrennerLove Your Library MonthMOUs for event sponsorshipsShow Your Love programThree-Minute Report: Library▶ Jump to 2:19:11 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[02:19:12] But shame on us for not enforcing that and sending the bill out. [02:19:16] I would not be happy to get a bill in this amount two years down the road. [02:19:20] I'm curious, I mean, we have one representative here from, chips here from the West Pasco Chamber. [02:19:25] What did these other organizations say when they received these bills that were just invoiced? [02:19:30] Any fun phone calls there? [02:19:32] There have been a number of phone calls that I have fielded from the organizations. [02:19:39] Most of them were grateful to get the bills so that they could clean up their books. [02:19:44] It's just, it's incompetence is what it is. [02:19:47] And like I said, we're, it comes back to us. [02:19:51] We're like the owners of the business up here, we're, you know, we're the decision makers. [02:19:55] We are in charge of putting the right people in the right place and, you know, some stuff [02:20:02] fell through the cracks here and it makes us look extremely bad. [02:20:05] And I'm with the mayor. [02:20:06] I'm not happy at all. [02:20:07] But I'm not, at this point, willing to say, sorry, we forgot to bill you, I'm going to [02:20:10] cut a third of that off for you, you, you, and you, but not the rest of the people. [02:20:16] I'm happy now that we've negotiated with West Pasco Chamber because it just seems that if [02:20:23] the city subsidized one year and didn't the other, that there's not only the billing problem, [02:20:28] but there's some questions of negotiating why we were one way one year and another way [02:20:34] another year. [02:20:35] We need to, and we do, we support a number of these events over the course of each year, [02:20:41] but we need to make sure that that agreement is up front. [02:20:44] I had this conversation as recently as yesterday with Wendy Brenner from Chasco, you know, [02:20:51] we tell Chasco we're going to support them to the tune of X number of dollars and we [02:20:58] give them an estimate of what it is that it's going to cost in city services. [02:21:04] There's a portion of that, perhaps all of it, but a portion of it that's covered under [02:21:09] our sponsorship and if there's a difference between what we're sponsoring and what we're [02:21:19] estimating is the cost is going to be, they need to know up front that this is what they [02:21:26] are going to have to pay and that's my understanding of what we do with the agreements, the MOUs, [02:21:33] we're getting them set up, but we've got to collect the money. [02:21:37] You know, in private, in my private life, I'm the CFO of my company, I'm the one that's [02:21:44] got to send out the bills and start making phone calls if people don't pay. [02:21:48] You can't let stuff sit for a year, year and a half and then say, oops. [02:21:52] Yeah, well I think this is something, since Crystal's come aboard, these are some of the [02:21:56] rocks that we're turning over. [02:21:58] Exactly. [02:21:59] And I'm confident that Crystal's going to keep after these and that when, as soon as [02:22:06] we know the final numbers for what Chasco owes for everything after next weekend, that [02:22:14] she's going to get a bill out to them so they can finish their books. [02:22:19] I mean, for heaven's sakes, we're planning on asking that group to come in and talk to [02:22:22] us in a month or so about what their finances look like so we can try to work through that [02:22:30] with them. [02:22:31] They can't do that if we don't give them numbers. [02:22:34] Let me be clear, is this, we've got the, we do have the audit in 2015 or are we just up [02:22:42] through 14? [02:22:44] Just through 14. [02:22:45] So this wouldn't have showed up until we did our audited books later on. [02:22:51] So once again, it's not like it was something that was in a report or something, it's just [02:22:56] things that hadn't been billed timely or in essence the way it is. [02:23:02] Okay. [02:23:03] Go ahead. [02:23:04] Thanks. [02:23:05] Any other discussion on this? [02:23:06] I don't believe we have a need for any action on it. [02:23:12] I believe that brings us to our three-minute report from the library. [02:23:16] Ms. Dillinger? [02:23:17] Okay, get the time going on her. [02:23:18] Ms. Dillinger already spent some time with us tonight, so she's down to one and a half [02:23:23] minutes. [02:23:24] She got a proclamation. [02:23:27] You still want more? [02:23:29] If you wish. [02:23:30] Okay. [02:23:31] We want the dessert. [02:23:32] February, we had Love Your Library Month, and we did a Show Your Love program, and we [02:23:38] put a bulletin board up, and we had little hearts on it, numbered, and amounts of money [02:23:43] on them. [02:23:44] And these were all charges owed by kids. [02:23:48] And we let adults come and pick hearts and pay for them. [02:23:52] And so we had some of them take care of the children's late fees, and then the kids were [02:23:59] able to check out materials again. [02:24:03] The Florida Library Association had all of our librarians there to present various programs,
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- 15.i
Three-Minute Report: Technology Solutions
discussedIT Director Mr. Weed reported on recent technology projects: a data migration to a new data center in Voorhees, addition of a new firewall, progress on LED display boards (with Thomas Sign permitting installation at Sims Park), and a cellular services study that reduced monthly bills. He confirmed the Tyler software project is on track and agreed to provide a written status report.
- direction:Mr. Weed agreed to prepare a status report on the Tyler project and deliver it to the city manager. (none)
Sims ParkThomas SignTylerMr. WeedCellular services cost reductionData migration to Voorhees data centerLED display boardsTyler project▶ Jump to 2:24:09 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[02:24:10] and we did Facilitating Wellness at Your Library, Outreach Across the Ages, and also one on [02:24:18] the new Florida Public Library Outcomes and Standards. [02:24:25] We had the Red Apple Art Show. [02:24:28] We had a play production by our team members, Hamlet Hears a Who, and they had a hundred [02:24:33] and some people come out for that. [02:24:38] And then this month, we're going to be having a French Film Fest all month, a Sexual Assault [02:24:45] Awareness Month film, a Storytime Tea at the White Heron on April 23rd, and so that's already [02:24:53] filled up with the kids, and Jessica's taking them over there. [02:24:58] And each month, we hold over 30 regular classes in addition to special events. [02:25:05] We also have Bone Appetines, and Jessica's teaching them how to do light cooking. [02:25:10] We have SCORE, Small Business Class Series, our monthly Books to Movies, and this month, [02:25:17] we're having Go Set a Watchman, a Harper Lee's last book. [02:25:22] And of course, we have our Master Gardener Workshop Lecture Series, and Build Me a Story [02:25:27] Using Legos from a Grant We Received. [02:25:30] And our open house on April 15th at 9 o'clock. [02:25:35] Hope you all come. [02:25:37] Thank you. [02:25:39] Can I ask something? [02:25:42] I was at the Tasty Tuesday today, and it seems that some of the Tasty Tuesday merchants are [02:25:51] being very liberal with their signage out around the city hall, and I just think that [02:25:57] maybe they should be able to place themselves. [02:26:00] We have a one-sandwich board ordinance for our businesses that are here, 365, so maybe [02:26:09] if you can work with them and see if they can go to a one-sandwich board where they [02:26:15] all can put their signs on it, but there must have been at least a dozen from one vendor [02:26:20] wrapped around city hall. [02:26:22] They all bring their own, I guess. [02:26:24] Yeah, but one had probably close to a dozen of that one vendor. [02:26:28] So it just doesn't, even for Tasty Tuesday, it just doesn't look good around city hall, [02:26:34] so somehow maybe one-sandwich sign where they all put them on and put it out there, but [02:26:41] not all these, looks like political signs. [02:26:44] I was thinking of putting one of mine in there. [02:26:46] No, just kidding. [02:26:48] Better watch out. [02:26:49] They may cover one of yours. [02:26:51] That's a Tasty Tuesday. [02:26:53] Never mind. [02:26:54] I don't care. [02:26:55] I'm sorry. [02:26:56] Thanks. [02:26:57] Next Tuesday. [02:26:58] Next Tuesday. [02:26:59] I think they can place themselves. [02:27:00] We don't really need to take care of them. [02:27:03] Technology. [02:27:04] Mr. Weed. [02:27:05] Good evening, Mayor and Council. [02:27:06] I'll keep my report brief. [02:27:08] Over the past few months, we've advanced a number of projects. [02:27:11] We've been working closely with our financial vendor and completed a successful data migration [02:27:16] to their new data center in Voorhees. [02:27:19] At that time, we added a new firewall to the city's network infrastructure, [02:27:23] supports an extra layer of security for us. [02:27:26] We recently brought forward the LED display boards, [02:27:29] and Thomas Sign is currently in the process of permitting [02:27:32] or getting a permit to complete the installation of that sign in Sims Park. [02:27:38] And most recently, we completed a study of our cellular services, [02:27:43] and we significantly reduced our bill on a monthly basis. [02:27:48] Very good. [02:27:49] Any questions? [02:27:52] Thank you. [02:27:53] Are we on track with Tyler? [02:27:55] We are. [02:27:56] I know it's a broad question. [02:27:57] It is a broad question. [02:27:59] I am putting you on the spot. [02:28:01] No, it is a broad question. [02:28:03] We spent, what, at the end of the day for that whole program, [02:28:06] it's going to be like $800,000, [02:28:08] and we don't toot our horn enough about all the things that we're trying to step into [02:28:13] whatever century we think it's going to be, and it is a process. [02:28:19] But I want to make sure people know that we're moving that out, [02:28:23] we're changing the platforms, we're doing all those things, [02:28:26] and you're the guy with the information. [02:28:28] Absolutely. [02:28:29] We are moving forward with the Tyler project. [02:28:31] We are starting to move forward with our data migration in both financial services [02:28:36] and development services. [02:28:38] I will put together a status report [02:28:41] and deliver it to the city manager for your review later this evening. [02:28:46] Thank you. [02:28:48] Now I think everybody's favorite item, communications and reports.
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- 16Communications▶ 2:28:49
- 17Adjournment